Young goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has let it be known that he sees himself as Germany’s first choice goalkeeper for the World Cup in South Africa.

The Schalke custodian has earned fine reviews this season, attracting the attention of Bayern Munich and Manchester United in the process, and he now feels confident enough to take the leap to the next level.

“Clearly, I want to be No.1,” he told Sky Germany. “I am a professional player and I will naturally do everything to be in goal.”

On Saturday, Neuer’s Schalke will face a Bayer Leverkusen side boasting Rene Adler, one of his main rivals to be Germany’s first pick this summer. “It’s a special match, but I do not play against Rene,” Neuer said to the AFP news agency. “I’ve managed the pressure well. The competition between us is a good thing; it prompts us to give our best.”

National team coach Joachim Loew has supported Adler during a downturn in form, though former Germany shot-stopper Oliver Kahn has sponsored Neuer to take over in goal for die Mannschaft. – goal