Zimmerman steps up for Hamburg

United States Under-20 striker Preston Zimmerman has signed a professional contract with Hamburger SV until 2009 after being promoted from the club's reserve team.

'Proved his worth'
Zimmerman has earned the deal after impressing for Hamburg's second string since arriving in Germany last January, scoring nine goals in 32 games. "Preston has proved his qualities in the reserves under Karsten Bäron and has merited a professional contract," Hamburg sporting director Dietmar Beiersdorfer said.

National service
The 19-year-old from Washington state was a late call-up to the USA squad for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada last summer. He will also take part in a United States Olympic team training camp next month. Hamburg host FC Basel 1893 in their final match in UEFA Cup Group D next Thursday having already booked their place in the knockout rounds.