Adler to face Russians, insists Germany boss Loew

Germany coach Joachim Loew said on Tuesday Leverkusen goalkeeper Rene Adler has won the duel for the Number One shirt and will face Russia in next month’s crucial World Cup qualifier in Moscow.

The 24-year-old kept two cleansheets for Germany in the friendly against South Africa and the World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan earlier this month.

Hanover’s Robert Enke had been Loew’s first choice, but a mystery virus kept him out of this month’s games and his rival has now stolen a march.

Adler is set to face the Russians in Moscow on October 10 and Finland in Hamburg on October 14 in the last two remaining qualifiers.

The winner of the Moscow clash between the Group Four titans is almost guaranteed an automatic place at the World Cup in South Africa next year and Adler has been given an early vote of confidence by Germany boss Loew.

“Rene Adler is always reliable, you know nothing bad will happen,” Loew told Bild.

“He was strong for us in the last two internationals and he has my absolute trust.”

Enke has been hindered by a stomach infection and still needs to take anti-biotics for two weeks which means he will miss out on valuable match practice.

“I spoke with Robert by telephone on Sunday and to select him doesn’t make any sense, because he is still on medication for the next two weeks and will have to reduce his training,” said Loew.

Enke, 32, admitted he was disappointed to lose his place for such an important game with Russia only a point behind Germany in the table.

“Naturally, I am not over-joyed by the decision, but I can fully understand it,” he said.

“I can’t resume full training for at least two weeks and I hope I will be back to my best after that.”

Adler has already faced Russia when he made his international debut in the 2-1 win in last October’s World Cup qualifier in Dortmund.

“It is unfortunately for Robert, but he has still made a strong impression on me and I am sure he will come back,” said Loew.

“For these two matches we will have Rene Adler, Manuel Neuer and Tim Wiese.”

And veteran Werder Bremen midfielder Torsten Frings may be set for a recall after Loew admitted being impressed with his form during Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Bayer Leverkusen.

“With Torsten, you can see he is finding his rhythm again, he is playing regularly and is free from injury,” said Loew who first dropped Frings from the national team more than a year ago.

“That is what you want to see as a coach.”