Football News

Hildebrand gets chance

Hildebrand gets chance


Hildebrand gets chance

Valencia goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand has said that he is looking forward to an opportunity playing for Germany on Wednesday. The Germans have secured qualification already, and coach Joachim Loew has told Hildebrand he will start. Hildebrand himself hopes to use the chance to push his way into the German number 1 spot.

Achilles tendon and elbow injuries last month have meant Lehmann lost his place in Arsenal's first-team.

And having picked up his second yellow card of the Euro 2008 qualifiers in Saturday night's 0-0 draw with the Republic of Ireland, Lehmann has left the German squad to train with his north London club.

But a superb performance in Dublin by Lehmann, as Germany booked their Euro 2008 place, means Hildebrand will have to produce something special at the Allianz Arena to keep his place for games against Cyprus and Wales next month.

"I am looking forward to taking my chance," said Hildebrand, who will win only his seventh cap after three years in the German squad.

"The roles are clearly distributed with Jens as first choice, but I am pleased however that I will play the Czech Republic."