David Beckham insists his transfer to the LA Galaxy has been a success, but feels the MLS has some way to go.

A year and a day after Beckham marked his first start for the Galaxy with a trademark free-kick against DC United at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, the England superstar said he was enjoying life in the MLS following an injury-hit opening half-season in 2007.

Beckham, 33, joined the Galaxy from Real Madrid last July, having signed a five-year contract believed to be worth $250 million the previous January.

In his first full season in MLS has scored five goals and recorded seven assists in 16 games approaching the midway point in the 2008 campaign.

Beckham's star appeal has already seen ticket sales reach more than 45,000 at Giants Stadium for Saturday night's clash with the New York Red Bulls, further proof that the player is continuing to be a big hit in the United States.

"Soccer's definitely changing in this country and it's getting bigger and it's growing but it's going to take time," Beckham said Friday before training at Giants Stadium.

"I said that at the start, it's not just going to happen in a year or two. It's a long-term plan to raise the profile of the game in the country and it's going well so far."

Beckham was asked if he was playing a crucial part in that plan.

"I'd like to think so. It's one of the reasons why I moved here, to be a part of growing the game here and hopefully people are seeing the changes.

"The attendances are up 20%, shirt sales are up 780%, so I heard, so it's going well.

"That's obviously what the game needs in this country, the hype's there and it's just about keeping it going."

Beckham reiterated his belief it will take more than a quick fix to both raise the standard of play and attract other big names to MLS in order to transform it into a league comparable with those in more established soccer countries.

"It's going to take longer than a year to happen but this league and the teams in it will start attracting players from Europe. That will start happening," he said.

"On the other side, you see Jozy Altidore go to Villarreal (from the Red Bulls) and so if you're a good player in this league you're going to have a chance to play in other big leagues in the world, in Europe. He's done that and good luck to him.

"It's not just about ticket sales or attendances or selling shirts. You look at the soccer stadiums that are being built now around the U.S. for the MLS. There are a lot of people putting a lot of money into this league and trying to grow it and in the next few years you going to see that emergence.

"I've always said that the level here is a lot higher than people actually think it is.

"I've been here a year now and seen some of the talented players and teams that are in this league.

"Every game is a tough game and of course we do want to get it to a level of other leagues in the world but it will take time although it's not that far away."