Bayern star Toni to launch comeback in reserves

Bayern Munich’s World Cup winner Luca Toni said Tuesday he hopes to launch his comeback in the German giant’s reserve team as he fights to win back his first-team place.

“I would like to play for the reserves because I really want some match time,” said the 32-year-old who has yet to make an appearance for Bayern this season and has struggled with an achilles tendon injury since last term.

Bayern have an abundance of riches in attack at the moment with Germany stars Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose backed up by Croatia’s Ivica Olic while 20-year-old Thomas Mueller scored two goals in Saturday’s 5-1 win at Dortmund.

Toni is likely to play for Bayern’s reserves on Friday at home against Bavarian side Jahn Regensburg.

“I am a footballer and I must play as much as possible, I need the practice,” said Toni.

Having played for Italy in their 2006 World Cup triumph over France, Toni had an impressive debut season when he scored 24 goals in 31 games in 2007/08, but dropped his ratio to 14 goals in 25 games last season as injury struck.

“If I spend the whole year playing for the reserves that would be a demotion,” said Toni.

“But I am convinced of my qualities, if I am healthy, there is no one I have to worry about.”

Toni was missing from Bayern’s trip to Israel to face Maccabi Haifa in their opening Champions League game on Tuesday night.

Bayern are fifth in the Bundesliga and play Nuremberg on Saturday.