German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann wants to see out his contract at Arsenal and remains hopeful of playing at the 2006 World Cup, despite the loss of his place to Manuel Almunia.

"My contract runs to June 30, 2006 and I'd like to stay at Arsenal until then," Lehmann told soccer magazine Kicker. "I like playing here. I'm working hard and I assume I'll play again soon."

Coach Arsene Wenger has played Spain's Almunia in goal in Arsenal's last five matches, demoting Lehmann to the bench.

Lehmann, 35, was Arsenal's only ever-present as they went through last season undefeated in the English Premier League. He also played in every FA Cup and Champions League match last season, but lost his place after Arsenal lost 2-1 in the league at Liverpool on November 28.

Being on the bench is not helping Lehmann in his personal battle with Oliver Kahn of Bayern Munich over who will keep goal for Germany when they host the World Cup in 2006 but for now the Arsenal player is relatively unconcerned.

"If I'm playing half a year before the World Cup that should be good enough," the goalkeeper said. "And if I'm on the bench now but playing again in February everything is fine."

Arsenal are due to face Bayern in the first knockout round of the Champions League in February and March, two matches that Lehmann would be loath to miss.