BLACKBURN Rovers goalkeeper Brad Friedel is facing a battle with USA team-mate Kasey Keller to be first choice in the World Cup - and may end up sharing the honour.

Friedel is waiting nervously today to find out if he or Tottenham's Keller will get the nod to face Portugal in their opening group game in Suwon tomorrow, but the indications are that American coach Bruce Arena believes the two keepers are so closely matched that he cannot choose between them.

Instead, he plans to play them in alternate matches - just like England manager Ron Greenwood did with goalkeeping legends Peter Shilton and Ray Clemence.

The story has gripped the US media, and now the talk of rivalry between Friedel and Keller is becoming the stuff of legends.

Friedel said: "It seems to be the only thing people want to talk about, and if they want to make it into some big rivalry then there's nothing I can do about it.

"I can see why they do it and I can see it is a good story. But the World Cup for America is about a lot more than just two goalkeepers.

"There's no animosity between us at all. I wouldn't say we are best of mates, there are other people in the squad I know a lot better and have played with since 1989. But we're not enemies, either. We're just friendly rivals.

"People don't believe me but me and Kasey don't talk about the situation. We don't sit there arguing about it or even laughing about it. We just don't mention it.

"I'm hopeful, very hopeful, that I will get the nod. I have played well for the last two years and I'm very comfortable with the form I am in. I am planning to be our number one. And I can only think that the last couple of seasons I have had will help me.

"It's been a good year at Blackburn and I feel I had a solid campaign, staying in the Premiership and winning a cup as well.

"I don't think Kasey played much at all for Tottenham, just the last five or so games of the season. So I feel I'm the one."

Whether coach Arena feels the same is still open to question, and there is no doubt he is actively considering the possibility of playing swapping keepers each game and that inevitably revives memories of Shilton and Clemence - Friedel says he is flattered.

He said: "I can see the comparisons being made with the Shilton and Clemence situation. But I'm a football realist and I wouldn't even compare myself to two of the greatest keepers England has ever produced.

"As a member of the goalkeeping union I know all about them and if others think I could be in the same league then that would be wonderful.

"When I was growing up in America the two teams we watched most were Liverpool and Bayern Munich. So you can imagine what I think of Ray Clemence. He was a technical goalkeeper who always seemed to get it right.

"The whole Shilton v Clemence debate was a worldwide one, and I have to admit I'm not even sure where I stand on it. They are two completely different styles of keeper. Shilton was more athletic, perhaps, and likely to make a more spectacular reflex save. But Clemence was so solid.

"I can understand why the England manager couldn't choose between them, it must have been very difficult. But I hope it doesn't happen with myself and Kasey."