American midfielder Caleb Stanko may be on the verge of a first-team debut for SC Freiburg but he is not getting too carried away.
The 20-year old Michigan-born USA U20 international is a regular in a defensive midfield role for Freiburg II in Germany's Regionalliga (fourth division).
Stanko, who deputises as captain whenever regular skipper Tim Albutat is not on the pitch, is being tipped to debut in the Bundesliga before the end of the season but he is simply looking to continue his development with the south German club.
"At least I am seeing steps toward the first team," Stanko told MLSsoccer.com. "I think I still need time to get adjusted to the speed of play."
Of the captaincy, Stanko added: "Being able to wear the captain's band in a foreign country, being able to lead a team [where] this is not your native language, is such an honor.
"It's a nice thing to see from the club, because it's like they're saying they see leadership quality and see the work you're putting in."
As for his plans moving forward, the promising American said: "Realistically ... me being able to make my debut in August in the Bundesliga."
Stanko has appeared 25 times for Freiburg II this season with the club sitting second on the Regionalliga Sudwest table, three points behind leaders Sonnenhof Gro?aspach.
