Stuttgart and Schalke secure duo

VfB Stuttgart and FC Schalke 04 are continuing to prepare for the UEFA Champions League by handing new deals to Thomas Hitzlsperger and Christoph Pander respectively.

'Important'
Bundesliga champions Stuttgart have rewarded the 25-times capped Hitzlsperger with a two-year extension to his contract until 2010. The 25-year-old has been back in Germany since leaving Aston Villa FC in 2005 and has scored nine goals in 57 league games. Stuttgart sporting director Horst Heldt said: "Last season everyone was able to see just how important he has become. We are very pleased Thomas has chosen to continue and we expect much in the future."

'Skilled'
Schalke, who finished runners-up to Stuttgart but will also enter the UEFA Champions League group stage, have secured the services of left-back Pander until 2011. The 24-year-old, with three goals in 41 Bundesliga outings, only had a year left on his deal. Club coach Mirko Slomka said: "He is extraordinarily skilled and is a very important performer as well as someone who is ready to play for Germany.“ The player himself added: "I rose through the ranks and have spent many years here. It was clear that I would first talk to Schalke and to Schalke only."