Joachim Low hails natural leader Philipp Lahm

Germany manager Joachim Low believes that Philipp Lahm deserves great credit for staying consistent for club and country over a decade, on the eve of a landmark international appearance.

Lahm will earn his 100th cap for Germany if he plays in Friday's World Cup qualifier against Austria, just under nine years after making his international debut in 2004 under Rudi Voller.

The 29-year-old captains both Germany and Bayern Munich but Low believes that the full-back can shoulder the responsibility, possessing all the attributes of a natural leader.

He told reporters at a pre-match press conference: "Philipp Lahm has been the model of consistency for almost 10 years.

"He has a natural authority and assumes responsibility. He is very communicative and an absolute leader."

Bayern boss Pep Guardiola has experimented with a new role for Lahm since taking charge of the treble winners this summer, using him in an unfamiliar holding midfield role.