Fresh from inking an improved contract that officially makes him a first team player, Hamburg forward Preston Zimmerman offered his gratitude to the AOL Arena club and promised to work hard for his debut.

The Washington native, who has hit for six goals in 19 HSV II matches this season, had a difficult time containing his excitement after signing the upgrade on Friday.

"I am very thankful and appreciative of the opportunity that HSV has given me," Zimmerman, who will take leave in January to participate in a US Under-23 National Team camp, told American Soccer Daily.

"Signing this deal is just another of many dreams that have came true for me here in Hamburg. HSV has always stood behind me and supported me, even when I didn't play a minute at the U-20 World Championships."

"They are committed to developing me and I think that I have developed very nicely here. Offering me this deal shows me that I am in their plans and that they reward merit. I have worked very hard and they have rewarded me and for that."

With a new pact comes new expectations, and Zimmerman is ready to do his best to fulfill them.

"This deal obviously makes me feel like I have more to prove," he admitted. "It was just a sign to show me that I am on the right path."

"I need to be better than I have been and turn into the player that they think I can turn into. I am committed to giving them absolutely everything that I have and I am so motivated."

Of course, Zimmerman isn't taking a first team debut for granted. Hamburg, currently third in the Bundesliga, have three established internationals in the front line and the American says he is capable of waiting his turn.

"I am thrilled of the possibility of making my first team debut soon, but I don't expect it," he stated. "Nothing will be given to me. I have to earn it and show that I am ready. Only God knows how long that will take. I will wait as long as it takes."

"Coach (Huub Stevens) has always told me the things that I need to know and I trust him. I come to do my job and I don't take anything for granted. This deal means that the club believes that I am capable of fighting for a spot and contributing."

"However, there are some amazing players in front of me like Ivica Olic, Paolo Guerrero and Mohammed Zidan, so to learn from these guys and wait for my chance is something I can handle," asserted Zimmerman. "They are top-class players."