SPEEDY winger Christian Wilhelmsson’s career failed to gain momentum at the Reebok Stadium when he joined in July 2007.

An unsuccessful six-month loan spell with the Wanderers resulted in him making only 13 appearances before the termination of his loan in January 2008.

However, two years previously the Swede travelled to the World Cup in Germany – taking part in all four of his country’s matches.

Wilhelmsson started the opening two games of the group as Sweden were held to a goalless draw with Trinidad and Tobago before recording a 1-0 victory over Paraguay. He then came on as a late sub against England as Sweden grabbed an injury-time equaliser to tie the game 2-2 and progress to the last 16 in second place in the group.

Wilhelmsson was a second-half substitute in his side’s next game, a 2-0 defeat to Germany in the last 16.

The winger, now 34 years old and playing for Baniyas SC in the UAE Arabian Gulf League, has made 79 appearances for his national team and has nine goals to his name.