Hashemian set to stay and fight for place

Fcbayern - Vahid Hashemian announced his arrival at Bayern last summer with a bang, firing four goals in 20 minutes on his debut, albeit against village outfit FC Rottach in a pre-season friendly. However, the player nicknamed 'Helicopter' looked increasingly grounded as the season progressed.

The likeable Iran striker has just nine senior appearances to his name – and the sobering total of no goals. Understandably, the 28 year-old has pondered closing the Munich chapter of his career at an early stage, but not until next summer, according to an interview with Iranian news agency ISNA. "I'm under contract until 2007, but I'll basically decide at the end of this term whether to stay at Bayern or not," the player is quoted as saying.

Hashemian has been linked with a winter switch, possibly back to former club Bochum, but the hitman said he was determined to battle for a regular place in the second half of the campaign. "I haven't been given much of a chance at Bayern yet, but things can change very fast in football," he continued.

Despite his disappointment at the lack of games, the player said he was happy at Bayern and had built strong relationships with Sebastian Deisler, Sammy Kuffour and Mehmet Scholl.

The good news for Vahid is that boss Felix Magath has not yet given up hope. "He's not really settled. It's a difficult situation for him, but he'll have to get through it. I remain convinced he'll prove valuable for us," the Reds coach declared recently.