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Poldi's point to prove
Afp, Berlin

Germany striker Lukas Podolski (R) and midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger practise during a training session in Oberhaching on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

Germany striker Lukas Podolski has a point to prove to his club Bayern Munich when Die Mannschaft start their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign in Liechtenstein on Saturday.

Despite shining brightly for Germany at both last June's Euro 2008 and the 2006 World Cup, Podolski is bitterly unhappy about the prospect of facing another season on Bayern's bench.

The 23-year-old has scored 28 goals for Germany in 55 appearances, but can not command a starting place at Bayern having made just four starts last season in the German league and one of the three so far this term.

Podolski is set to face Liechtenstein on Saturday in Vaduz and Finland in Helsinki next Wednesday in their Group 4 qualifying games.

But having been told by Bayern manager Uli Hoeness to accept his place on the bench - while coach Jurgen Klinsmann says he needs to "step on the gas" - Podolski has a point to prove to his Bayern bosses.

"I can't accept being told to stop whining about the situation," an annoyed Podolski told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung after hearing Hoeness' comments.

Since joining Bayern in July 2006, Podolski failed to impress in his first season and struggled for chances in his second behind first-choice forwards Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni.

And he has given his strongest indication yet about his desire to leave Bayern.

"If I had known how things were going to go this season, I would not have extended my contract," he told German tabloid Bild.

"I am unhappy and bitter that I am not playing from the start of matches and have been left on the bench again."

Podolski says he will consider his options when the transfer window re-opens in January.

He said: "The point arrives where one says: it gets on my nerves! I am not progressing here! I can't put up with this any longer!"

Having spent last season as third-choice striker under Ottmar Hitzfeld, Podolski now finds himself in the same position under new Bayern coach Klinsmann.

And he is annoyed to be down the pecking order with his rival Klose struggling for form in recent months.

"I don't see myself as third choice," said Podolski.

Germany coach Joachim Loew is a confirmed Lukas Podolski fan.

"When you look at his performances at the 2005 Confederations Cup, the World Cup and Euro 2008, Lukas has always completely answered his critics - something not even Cristiano Ronaldo has always done," said Loew on Thursday.

"From my experience, Lukas is not the sort of player who whines, he is very professional.

"The fact he is not happy at the moment is normal - in fact it would be unprofessional if he was content with the situation.

"But he must fight for his place at Bayern and learn everything he is told."

With the Bundesliga currently on a two-week break, Podolski will resume his quest for a Bayern place for their next game - against his old club Cologne on September 13.

Premier League clubs Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have both expressed an interest in signing him.

But Podolski has made no secret of his desire to return to Cologne - his "first love" - and his marriage to Bayern certainly appears to be on the rocks.