Robbie Kruse says he has taken a huge step up by playing at a club such as Bayer Leverkusen.
The 24-year old Australian winger joined the German club from Bundesliga rivals Fortuna Dusseldorf in July and admits his career has gone up a notch even though he is not a regular under Sami Hyypia at the BayArena.
"It's been a massive step up, I have gone from knowing I would play every week at Fortuna Dusseldorf to being part of a big squad at Leverkusen," said Kruse.
"It's hard to get in and once you're there, you have to play well to keep your place and I have to bide my time.
"It's about being patient and being ready when the chances come."
Kruse and his Leverkusen teammates are currently sitting third on the Bundesliga table as they prepare for Tuesday night's Champions League meeting with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
