Lehmann's World Cup belief

Jens Lehmann has reiterated his belief that he will start at the 2006 World Cup.

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has reiterated his belief that coach Jurgen Klinsmann will pick him rather than Oliver Kahn to guard the Germans' goal at the 2006 World Cup.

Speaking ahead of his country's meetings with Slovakia and South Africa, Lehmann expressed confidence in his chances of starting next year's tournament. 

"I'm convinced that I'll be playing," the 35-year-old told Bild.

"There are still nine months to go until the World Cup kicks off and as long as I get the opportunity to play a certain amount of internationals I'm still in with every chance."

Rival Kahn did not have a particularly successful Confederations Cup tournament in the summer and Lehmann argues that his own performances should remove any doubt from Klinsmann's mind.

The former Dortmund custodian said: "I've been playing at a consistently high level for three or four years and that will pay off in the end.

"If I had any doubts then I could pack my things and go home now instead of playing in the next two matches. Nobody wants a doubter in goal."