While the 23-year-old forward may be the number one choice in the attack of Germany coach Joachim Low, he still has work to do to convince Klinsmann to pick him over Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni.

And Klinsmann has revealed that the situation may endure.

"Lukas is still the challenger to the two first-choices and he has got to prove that he is better," said Klinsmann on Thursday.

"It could be a long process that lasts months or even years, but Lukas has just got to handle it."

Those words, coming 48 hours before Bayern travel to Podolski's former club Cologne, are likely to further frustrate the man whose two goals helped Germany to a 6-0 win over Liechtenstein last Saturday.

He has made no secret of his desire to move on if he cannot break into the first team, but as well as laying down the gauntlet to Podolski, Klinsmann has also closed any easy ways out.

Manchester City and Real Madrid have both spoken of their admiration for the Poland-born striker, who says he may have to consider his future this winter.

"It honours us when other clubs speak admirably of our players, but whether they get them is another question," said Klinsmann.

Cologne have also declared an interest in re-signing their 'Prince Poldi', but no official offer has been forthcoming.

ends