Kahn praises Lehmann but still hates bench

BERLIN, June 28 (Reuters) Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn was full of rare praise for his World Cup replacement Jens Lehmann today but said that he would never come to terms with the role as a substitute.

Kahn, who four years ago gifted Brazil their first of two goals in the final, said he was doing what he could to help Germany win the World Cup this time, a title he has dreamt of since his blunder on June 30, 2002.

''Jens's performance has been absolutely flawless,'' Kahn told a news conference. ''He's been a pillar of serenity and run things from the back with clarity. It's important to give the back four a sense of security and that's what he's doing.

''We've had three straight clean sheets and that speaks for itself,'' added Kahn, who was locked in a testy duel with Lehmann for the job over the last two years before coach Juergen Klinsmann opted for the Arsenal keeper in May.'' Bayern Munich's Kahn, the oldest on the squad at 37, had never spoke so glowingly of Lehmann, against whom he fought a tense long-distance battle since Klinsmann took charge.

'BIGGEST GOAL' ''It's not always been easy for me because I'm first and foremost a sportsman and want to play,'' Kahn said. ''But my biggest goal is to win the World Cup, if not as a player than as someone who can do everything he can to help this team get it.

''I'm someone who's programmed for success, to be the number one,'' added Kahn, who helped get Germany to the 2002 final with a sensational tournament before his gaffe on a Rivaldo long-range shot allowed Ronaldo to tap in the rebound.

''These weeks are not always easy for me,'' he admitted.

Kahn has continued to express doubts about the decision.

''I'm only human. You've all played sport yourselves and know what drives you is a desire to play. Anyone satisfied sitting on the bench should be sent home. Naturally, we're frustrated on the bench. But we have enough inner strength to cope with that.'' Reuters DH RS2033