NEW Middlesbrough striker Matthew Hoppe is determined to make his mark but admits he has got a lot of prove as feels his way into his new surroundings.

Hoppe completed his permanent move from La Liga side RCD Mallorca and signed a four-year deal this week.

The arrival of the 21-year-old adds much needed numbers to Boro's attacking department with Chris Wilder keen to bolster his options before the end of the transfer window. However, being at his tender age, Wilder told media after their 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Barnsley that he sees him as a development player and one they need to mould for the future.

While Hoppe has time on his side, the USA international won't rest on his laurels after spending the last few days on the training ground with his new team mates: “Football is full of ups and downs and as a player, I am ready to show what I am capable of and ready to give 100% for the fans. I’m just excited to be here" he said.

Wilder is a demanding manager who isn't short of ambition when it comes to taking the side to the upper echelons on the Championship table. The ethos and philosophy includes hard working players and high energy performances.

From Hoppe's point of view, being with Boro is the right environment to come into as he continued: “If you look at it, everything makes sense. The system, the teams goals, their aspirations, my own aspirations. They have put a lot of faith in me and I have a lot to prove to them. I’m up for the challenge and I’m ready to go.

“My best quality is creating space for myself and others in games when you are not able to get the service. I think I am also able to create for myself and make something out of nothing. I like to go forward and fight until the end. Just going everything I can to help the team win."

The 21-year-old came through the academy ranks in the Bundesliga with Schalke before sealing a switch to Spain in the summer of 2021.

He is also a full USA international with six caps and one goal. With the winter World Cup in Qatar months away, he is looking to forge make his impression for club and country much like his new team mate Zack Steffen who harbours similar ambitions for this season.

The goalkeeper also played the role of agent as Hoppe added: “I messaged him when the talks were going on and he told me to come. He told me some things about the club so I am excited to be with him, another America. But I’m just excited to incorporate myself into the team.

“It’s a goal of mine to represent my club and my country at the top level so if things go well this year then hopefully I can do that."