Bayer Leverkusen have been boosted by the news that they have secured the services of former Germany U-21 striker Stefan Kiessling until 2012.The 24-year-old put pen to paper on a new deal on Wednesday, admitting it was not a difficult decision to take.

"My family and I feel very happy in Leverkusen," he said.

"Something is being built in this team and at this club so that we can challenge for the German title in two or three years."

Kiessling joined Leverkusen from Nurnberg in 2006 and made his only senior international appearance to date in 2007 after settling in well in the new surroundings.

He is the club's second highest goalscorer this season behind Theofanis Gekas with six goals, while the six he has netted in the UEFA Cup make him the competition's joint leading scorer.

"Extending Stefan Kiessling's contract is the logical continuation of the club's policies of securing the long-term futures of young players," explained director of sport Rudi Voller on the club's website.

"This has already been achieved with Simon Rolfes, Gonzalo Castro and Rene Adler."

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