With three straight 2.Bundesliga starts and one in the DFB-Pokal under his belt, Mainz defender Neven Subotić is content to have tied himself to the Rhineland club for the foreseeable future.

"I signed an extension on my contract, until 2011," Subotić told American Soccer Daily. "That means I have a contract here for another 4 years."

The young American defender has caught the attention of manager Jürgen Klopp, enough to warrant retaining a starting role for the first few weeks of the season.

"I was motivated to do it (sign the extension) because of the current position I am in. I made four good games for Mainz as of now," explained the former US Under-17 player. "This puts me in a good situation now and in the future. All I have to do is keep working."

"This is a strong sign for the club that I have a role for them, now and in the future."

While there is complete certainty surrounding the forecast for his club situation, the 18-year old Mainz starlet is keeping his options open concerning national team allegiances.

Despite having played for John Hackworth's US under-17 team that was ultimately knocked out of the 2005 FIFA under-17 World Cup, the precocious defender remains eligible to play for birth-nation Bosnia, as well as the Stars and Stripes.

"I have not made my mind up about anything right now," Subotić said, when asked whether a distinct national team preference was present. "My first goal is to succeed with my club, and then (see) if the chance is there play for a national team."

Next on the plate for the young Serb/Bosnian-American is a trip with Mainz to Carl Zeiss Jena, on Sunday, in a clash that could mark his fourth consecutive league start at the back.

The club currently sits in fourth place just three weeks into the season.