Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann revealed he would rotate his three goalkeepers up until a month before the 2006 World Cup, running from June 9 to July 9, and then make a decision.

While most nations have a settled custodian Klinsmann has introduced a rotation policy with Oliver Kahn, Jens Lehmann and Timo Hildebrand all having a chance of winning the race to claim the number one jersey for the World Cup.

"The race for the number one jersey is open and the decision will be made in May 2006, just before the World Cup," Klinsmann told television channel ZDF.

"We have two world-class goalkeepers in Kahn and Lehmann and one coming through in Hildebrand. They will get their game to impress in the build up for the World Cup."

Bayern Munich star Kahn had been first choice for the past eight years but under Klinsmann he has been stripped of the captain's armband and forced to watch some games from the substitutes' bench.

At the Confederations Cup Kahn played the opening 4-3 win over Australia but then watched Hildebrand and Lehmann take over the gloves.

"The order is Kahn, Lehmann, Hildebrand at the moment but it can all change," Klinsmann explained.

"Perhaps it is unusual for some goalkeepers but we have to be prepared if someone gets injured. This system stimulates competition and gives everyone a fair chance."

Some critics have argued that constant chopping and changing disrupts the backline but Klinsmann has refused to budge from the tactic.

"Lehmann, Kahn and Hildebrand have all improved this season," countered Klinsmann.

While the softly-spoken Hildebrand has not talked up his chances Arsenal's Lehmann and Kahn have both declared themselves the best choice.

The rivalry between the two has been spiced up by the media with the duo renowned for not getting along with one another.