By Amr Shaheen North African football correspondent

Cup of Nations winner Karim Hagui has joined French club Strasbourg

When Tunisia won the 2004 African Cup of Nations, the attention of Europe's top clubs turned towards the Carthage Eagles players.

The Tunisians won Africa's most prestigious international competition for the first time in their history when they hosted the tournament in February.

And following the North Africans' success, three of the continental champions have moved to leading European sides this summer.

Last week, veteran defender Radhi Jaidi became the first Tunisian player to join the Premiership when he signed for Bolton Wanderers from Esperance de Tunis.

Feyenoord sign Saidi

In June, another defender, Saidi Karim, signed a four-year deal with Holland's Feyenoord while the 20-year-old Karim Hagui agreed a transfer to French side Strasbourg.

More of Tunisia coach Roger Lemerre's side are poised to move with forward Mohamed Jedidi, who plays for Etoile Sahel, having received a US$1.5 million offer to join the Turkish league.

Meanwhile, Jedidi's club colleague Kais Zoughi is currently on trial with French club Metz.

Joining European sides is a good boost for Tunisian players Tunisia coach Roger Lemerre

Much of the inspiration for Tunisian players to try their luck in Europe is owed to the impressive feats of defender Hatem Trabelsi with Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam.

"Trabelsi is an idol for young Tunisian players who are looking forward to follow in his footsteps," Saidi Karim, 21, said.

And Lemerre is happy to see his players move to Europe.

"Joining European sides is a good boost for our players," the French coach said.

Trabelsi's success with Ajax has inspired his international colleagues

"This will help them gain more experience and develop their standards."

Tunisia were the first African side to achieve a victory in the World Cup finals when they beat Poland 1-0 in Argentina '78.

The country's football then fell into decline, and the Carthage Eagles needed another twelve years before they reached the finals of another major football tournament.

After failing to get past the first round when hosting the Nations Cup in 1994, Tunisia adopted serious plans to improve the game in the country and developed an impressive football youth program, which has led to a remarkable record over the last decade.

The North Africans have reached the last two World Cup finals as well as the Olympics final tournament in Atlanta '96.

With an exciting generation of new players breaking through into Lemerre's squad, Tunisia has become an enticing market for European clubs.