Hønefoss BK goalkeeper Steve Clark has praised former England international Nigel Martyn for helping him kickstart his career in Europe.

The 25-year American old trialed with League Two club Bradford City in November 2009 but could not gain a work permit, forcing him to move to Norway to try his luck.

A few years on and Clark has become Hønefoss' number one and he has thanked ex-Bristol Rovers, Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Everton gloveman Martyn for his influence.

"He's a legend," Clark told MLSsoccer.com. "He basically gave me a lot of confidence and said, 'Keep going, I believe in your training habits and instinct and ability.' When he says something, you listen."

But Clark has sights set higher and admits that he wants to play in the German Bundesliga before potentially heading back home to play MLS.

"I've always dreamed of playing in the Bundesliga," he added. "I'll be the first one to tell you, I'm not at that level yet, but maybe in a couple years. Maybe not, but I'm certainly going to shoot for it.

"I'd love to come home and play in MLS. Whether that's in two years or six years, I don't know."

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