After Bayern spent a reported 69 million euros this summer to build their own 'dream team' including strikers Italian World Cup winner Luca Toni and German veteran Miroslav Klose, injured Podolski, 22, was in danger of becoming a forgotten man.

But after French midfielder Franck Ribery impressed on his competitive debut with two goals for Bayern in their 4-1 League Cup win over Werder Bremen on Saturday, Podolski is as determined as ever to get back in the starting XI.

"I am not worried about the situation," Podolski told German paper Bild Am Sonntag after a frustrating summer spent recovering from knee surgery.

"I am pretty relaxed about things. I know that I can play football and get my chance. And I know that I will assert myself."

Having joined Bayern after his World Cup success, Podolski had a difficult first season with the German giants - defenders were quick to close him down and he produced a poor return of just four goals in 22 games.

But Podolski is determined to stay at Bayern and realise his potential, even if he is one of four top strikers - German international Jan Schlaudraff also joined in the summer - competing for only two places up front.

Despite interest from other Bundesliga clubs keen to get his signature, Podolski has told his agent he does not want to be at any other club.

"I have told my adviser, I am not prepared to leave and I want to prove myself here, there is no way I want to leave after just one year. I am only 22 and I want to play for Bayern for several years."

Still recovering from knee surgery last April, Podolski is unlikely to be ready for Bayern's first Bundesliga game of the season againsy Hansa Rostock on August 11, but is only a few weeks off resuming full training.

"After the knee operation, I need more time to let the knee settle down, I am in no hurry, I want to look after it now to make sure I can play football on it for years to come."