Hans-Jorg Butt should remain Bayern Munich's top goalkeeper for years to come according to the club's president Uli Hoeness.

Butt appears to have won the battle with Michael Rensing for the goalkeeper's shirt under Louis van Gaal, just like he did two-thirds of the way through last season when he convinced Jurgen Klinsmann that he was a better choice.

The 35-year-old's contract only runs until next summer, but Hoeness expects him to sign on for another year at least.

"We have always said that we want to extend Butt's contract," he told Bavarian television last night.

"We have a lot to thank Jorg for. He is a really nice bloke and, on top of that, he is a fantastic goalkeeper.

"With Jorg Butt, we don't have any problem in goal. He is an excellent goalkeeper."

Butt last week scored from the penalty spot against Juventus in a 4-1 Champions League triumph.

That was his third goal against the Bianconeri, carrying on a tradition from his Bayer Leverkusen days when he would always take spot kicks.

And his excellent recent form has helped Bayern to a five-game unbeaten run which has reduced an eight-point deficit at the top of the Bundesliga to just two points with one game to be played before the midway stage of the season.

"If things carry on like this, then other clubs are going to have to be careful that they don't only see us from behind," added Hoeness.

Bayern have climbed five places over the last three weeks and now only have Schalke and Bayer Leverkusen ahead of them in the table.