Sami Khedira has laid down the gauntlet to Michael Ballack, saying the veteran cannot just waltz into the German side.

Ballack was forced to sit out the World Cup in June after sustaining an injury while on Chelsea duty in the FA Cup final against Portsmouth.

It was Khedira who took the German legend's place in the squad. The former Stuttgart man had largely been an unknown outside the Bundesliga but such was his impact on Germany's progress in South Africa that Real Madrid came calling soon after the competition was over.

Now, with confidence coursing through his veins, the 23-year-old has claimed that past performances count for nothing as far as team selection is concerned.

Speaking to the press, Khedira said: "In his career, Michael Ballack has done much for German football and has produced several excellent performances at major tournaments.

"But with all due respect to him, that may no longer matter.

"I know that I do not have to hide, and can bring to the national team my own style and, hopefully, success."

Ballack is known to be touchy about his side and status in the national team. He had a long war of words with Philipp Lahm over the issue of captaincy in the aftermath of the World Cup.

Lahm had publicly stated his desire to continue captaining the side even after Ballack's return but the latter clearly stated that it rightfully belonged to him.

Coach Joachim Low settled the issue recently when he said that Ballack would be captain if we was involved in a game, but he would have to earn his starting place.