Kahn backing for Wiese

Bremen keeper tipped to usurp Lehmann

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 19th September 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Kahn backing for Wiese

Wiese: Kahn support

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Oliver Kahn has backed Werder Bremen goalkeeper Tim Wiese to become the Germany No.1 in time for Euro 2008.

Kahn, who racked up 86 appearances between the sticks for Germany before his retirement after the 2006 World Cup, believes Wiese has what it takes to replace current first choice Jens Lehmann.

Wiese has recently been overlooked by German coach Joachim Low but Kahn, who also endured a fierce rivalry with Lehmann for the German goalkeeping jersey, insists the time is right for the Bremen shot-stopper.

Lehmann has produced a number of recent high-profile blunders for Arsenal and he faces a fight to reclaim his place in the Gunners side when he returns from a current injury lay-off.

"The national goalkeeper should without any question hold the same position in his club and play at the highest international level," Kahn told Sport-Bild. "Tim Wiese meets all these criteria.

"For several years now he has been at top level in the (German) championship and in the UEFA Champions League but has never been considered until now.

"The current situation is worrying. A goalkeeper who is not first choice at his club can't be selected in the national side, it's really unthinkable."