Germany starlet Mario Goetze admits he is nervous before Wednesday’s clash with Italy in Dortmund.

The 18-year- old has enjoyed a meteoric rise to international prominence in the past six months and told a media conference on Monday that he is finding it difficult keeping his feet on the ground.

The Borussia Dortmund playmaker began the season on the fringes for his club side, but consistently impressive performances have seen him become a regular starter.

Not only has he won his first international cap, but his rapid rise has not gone unnoticed by some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Yet Goetze is staying focused, insisting that he is happy at Bundesliga table-toppers Dortmund.

“I’ve only been in the Bundesliga for three quarters of a year,” he said. “It all happened very quickly, I am only 18 years old. It is not easy to deal with it and not get carried away, but I am in the right environment.”

The teenager said he was nervous ahead of the friendly with Italy, in which he is aiming to earn a second cap, having made his international debut against Sweden in November.

“Italy is a strong team. They have always had world-class players in their ranks, and I look forward to the game.”

“I’m already nervous, but am happy to play in front of the home crowd if the coach decides to use me as a substitute.”