Adler given Germany nod

Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper set for starting berth

By Chris Ives   Last updated: 10th October 2008

Rene Adler Bayer Leverkusen

Adler: Full debut

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Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Rene Adler will make his full international debut against Russia on Saturday.

The 23-year-old custodian will replace Hannover's Robert Enke in the starting line-up after he injured his hand in training earlier this week.

Adler has been preferred to start the crucial World Cup qualifying clash ahead of Werder Bremen's Tim Wiese.

"Rene will put in a great performance on Saturday and so there is no need to ask who will be in goal against Wales (next Wednesday)," DFB goalkeeping coach Andreas Kopke said.

Adler expressed his delight at the chance, saying: "I am not nervous although there is a certain amount of tension there.

"It is the absolute highlight of my career and I am really looking forward to the game."

Ready

Meanwhile, Germany coach Joachim Low has told his players that nobody will be guaranteed a place in the starting line-up against Russia.

The DFB team slipped up in their last outing when escaping with a fortunate draw in Finland and Low is calling for 100 per cent concentration on Saturday.

"I want every single player to prove to me that he is physically and mentally ready for this game - if he doesn't, then he won't be playing," Low told the German press.

"When players come down the tunnel in Dortmund I don't want them to know for which club they play or what make of car they drive."