Brazilian-born Kuranyi was omitted from Germany's World Cup squad after a woeful season with Schalke 04 last season but took the first step on the recovery trail with a goal in Schalke's 2-0 win over Werder Bremen on Friday.

Kuranyi powered in a header after just seven minutes for his first goal in 677 minutes with his last strike coming at the end of March.

It was that sort of form that persuaded Juergen Klinsmann to drop him from the World Cup squad and Kuranyi is determined to get a recall under new coach Joachim Loew.

"I was under a lot of pressure and the goal was a major relief," Kuranyi said.

"There has been a lot written about me. I didn't score in my first game and then in my second match I didn't play well and all of a sudden it was a case of he belongs on the substitutes bench.

"But if my club plays well and continues to win matches then I can start thinking of the national team."

Kuranyi, scorer of 13 goals in 35 internationals, admitted he had not spoken with Loew, who took over from Klinsmann after the World Cup, and did not expect to be called into the squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland on September 2.

"No I was not surprised (at not being called up) as I saw how well the boys played in the 3-0 friendly win over Sweden and it was obvious that there would be no changes," Kuranyi admitted.

"I have not spoken with Joachim Low. Of course I want to be in the national set-up but I do not want to talk my way in. I want to put myself forward through my performances.

"But I have experienced so much over the past six months that I don't expect things any more."