'My future is with the US' - Elversberg's Cole Campbell
Cole Campbell has made clear that his international future lies with the United States as the Elversberg forward hopes his strong start to the new Bundesliga season can translate into a first senior call-up.
Campbell is eligible to represent both the US and Iceland through his family background. He initially played for Iceland at U17 level, before switching his allegiance to the US, whom he has since represented at U19, U20 and U23 level. Although the 20-year-old could technically still switch back to Iceland, he has no intention of doing so.
"I've already made my decision to switch to the US. It was for a lot of different reasons, but my future is with the US," he said during a digital roundtable on Tuesday. "I have no second thoughts or anything. That's a thing for me that is set in stone."
Campbell said the switch has been a hugely positive experience, praising the support he has received from the US federation. "It was definitely the right step, and I've been incredibly happy with it. The support and the atmosphere around the federation have been amazing. The coaches I've had, the people I've had the honour of working with have been great."
Campbell's next target is to turn that ambition into a senior appearance. He has scored once in three Bundesliga outings since joining newly promoted Elversberg from Borussia Dortmund this summer.
The move has provided a welcome change of fortunes after an injury-disrupted loan spell at Hoffenheim during the second half last season, when an ankle problem limited him to five appearances. The Houston native is optimistic his return to full fitness and form can put him in Mauricio Pochettino's plans for the USA's upcoming friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada.
Watch: Campbell helps Elversberg make winning debut
"I'm hoping. We will see what happens. I'm just focused on trying to perform the best that I can, and I'm praying that hopefully I get my first call-up soon," he said. "I grew up in this country, so it would be an honour. It would be a dream come true for me to represent my country."
