starting his career at dortmund in 1996 he managed just 15 appearances for the club and eventually moved to 2. fußball-bundesliga club 1. fc köln where he went on to make 65 appearances in his three years at the club scoring 15 goals and helping the club gain promotion into the bundesliga. he was tipped for national team selection but a series of injuries meant he was regularly out of action. in 2002, he moved to 1. fc kaiserslautern and then on to spvgg greuther fürth two years later where he made over 81 appearances for the club and netted 21 goals.