Christoph Kramer: 'We can stop Miroslav Klose'

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Christoph Kramer has claimed that they will not be giving any special attention to Miroslav Klose ahead of Tuesday's Champions League qualifier against Lazio.

German legend Klose, who scored 71 goals for his country and won the World Cup last summer, is in contention for a starting spot when Lazio host the first leg, but Kramer is confident that Leverkusen can rise to the challenge of keeping the striker quiet over 180 minutes.

"All of us know the quality that Klose has got, but we don't have to be afraid. We've got many talented players as well," Kramer, who played alongside the 37-year-old for Germany last summer, told reporters.

"We know that he's dangerous and can score many goals regardless of his age. He's an extraordinary striker so we are warned by his qualities.

"However, we've got very good centre-backs to defend him. I wish that he plays, but for once I don't wish him to score for two games."

Klose has not played in the Champions League since the 2010-11 campaign with Bayern Munich.