Back from an Eredivisie summer break that saw him celebrate Gold Cup honors with the US National Team, Heerenveen midfielder Michael Bradley is now targeting a set place in Gertjan Verbeek's starting line-up.

The #18 shirt also starred in the Under-20 side's World Cup quarterfinal run, including an extra time winner to oust Uruguay in the round of 16. He earned his way on to FIFA's Golden Ball shortlist and reportedly wowing the Celtic scouting department.

Now back in Friesland, but the former MetroStar has his sights set on locking down a job in the Heerenveen first unit.

"I've been back almost two weeks, and I feel like I'm making progress getting back in with the group," Bradley told American Soccer Daily. "I'm in a good rhythm and feeling sharp since I got back."

Local observers have tipped the American to step smoothly into the hole left by departed veteran Paul Bosvelt, and the 19-year old has ran out with the top unit in their last two preseason friendlies.

In bouncing back and forth between the Blue White Vikings and international assignments for much of 2007, Bradley believes his learning curve has been accelerated by double duty. "It works both ways," he explained.