Ballack handed captain's armband

Michael Ballack has been appointed captain of the German national team.

Michael Ballack has been appointed captain of the German national team by new boss Jurgen Klinsmann.

The Bayern Munich midfielder takes over the honour from his club team-mate goalkeeper Oliver Kahn beginning with Wednesday's friendly against Austria in Vienna.

"I wanted an outfield player who is in contact with all sections of the team on the pitch," Klinsmann told reporters on Monday.

Kahn took over the captaincy from current national team manager Oliver Bierhoff in June 2001 and led his country to the World Cup final in 2002.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper remains Ballack's club captain, however, after being confirmed in the posistion at Bayern Munich by coach Felix Magath at the start of the Bundesliga season.