On Sunday I named my goalkeepers and defenders that would line up in my Euro 2008 team of the tournament. Now it’s time to name the four midfielders I have chosen. I tried to resist the temptation to fill it with Spaniards, but they were the best team in the tournament so it was rather difficult to avoid!

Right Midfield: Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany)

I thought long and hard about this one, because if you have read my blog throughout Euro 2008 you will know that I have been rather critical of the talent in the Germany squad. However, at just 23-years-old I thought that Schweinsteiger had an excellent tournament and was one of the shining lights in Germany’s team. One thing is for certain about this player – he is the scorer of crucial goals. He opened the scoring in the quarter-final victory over Portugal and did the same again in the semi-final win over Turkey. He’s also very handy from a dead ball situation and is a player that undoubtedly rises to any occasion that is thrown at him.

Central Midfield: Xavi Hernandes (Spain)

This man could, quite simply, not be left out. He was officially voted as the player of the tournament and it was not difficult to see why. He produced a number of eye-catching displays that epitomised the way Spain played throughout the tournament. His passing ability is superb and against Russia in the semi finals – where he scored his only goal of the tournament – he was extremely influential in a fine Spanish performance. He also set up Fernando Torres’ winner in the final as well. At 28-years-old he is fast becoming one of the best play-makers in the world.

Central Midfield: Cesc Fabregas (Spain)

The Arsenal man didn’t start every game, but still had a huge influence on the tournament. He always made an impact when called upon – particularly in the semi-final against Russia where he came on for the injured David Villa during the first half. He went on to pull all the Spanish strings and it beggared belief as to why he hadn’t been starting in every single game. The thing with Fabregas though, is that he is still only 21-years-old. He has a huge future in the game for club and country. I would put all my football betting money on him captaining Spain one day and also believe that he will win European footballer of the year before long.

Left Midfield: Luka Modric (Croatia)

Before the tournament began, I tipped Modric to have an excellent tournament and I believe he delivered. Had Croatia made it further than the quarter-finals, I would have backed Modric all the way for player of the tournament. He was particularly impressive in Croatia’s group stage victory over Germany where he showed his skill and undoubted ability on the ball. Tottenham have signed him ahead of the current season and I would expect him to be a huge hit in the Premier League.

So, that’s the defence and midfield sorted – next time I will be running the rule over the strikers I have selected for my team of the tournament.

Scottish Premier League Build Up:

In all honesty though, Euro 2008 is becoming somewhat of a distant memory now though isn’t it? Instead, the focus is back on the domestic game and the start of the SPL season. Of course, it is likely that the fight for the title will be between Celtic and Rangers once again and if I was to bet on the Scottish Premier League right now, I would back Celtic to win it again. I think the way Rangers lost it last season will have scarred them emotionally.

Anyway, after my final look at Euro 2008 on Sunday, I will continue to preview the SPL season, with my focus being on how things are shaping up on the transfer front for Gordon Strachan’s Celtic.