The striker is expected to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season and return to the club where he made his name.

That would mean abandoning the chance of Champions League football in favour of playing for a team who were in the second division last season.

But asked if a return to Cologne would affect his chances with Germany, Low told the Express newspaper: "No. Lukas is someone who has to play for his club. If that is the case again, he will come in to the national team with great self-confidence.

"It is not the case that he will not be stretched in Cologne. Should he really return to Cologne, he will be be given a lot of responsibility at his old club.

"At Cologne, he would be a leading player, who would have to take on responsibility. I think that would be rather good for his development.

"And ultimately the national team would also profit from that."

Low revealed he spoke to Podolski on the telephone before Christmas and told him to go "where he feels happy".

"I said to him: 'follow you heart.' Then talk with the coach, have a good look at the club," he added.

"You have to develop a feeling for it, where you feel happy. And when you are certain, do it."