SWEDEN LATEST: Former Portsmouth players in good form; Ex-Newcastle United and Huddersfield Town man making his mark with Ostersunds

Some great news coming from Sweden concerning the Englishmen plying their trade in the Allsvenskan. Former Portsmouth and Kidderminster Harriers striker James Keene has propelled his Elfsborg side to the top of the league, while ex-Millwall man Kenny Pavey has played his part in cementing AIK in 2^nd spot.

With ten games to go this season, things are very tight though, although the 2-1 over Orebro SK at the weekend has given Elfsborg the edge. Keene, who is recently back from illness, scored the second of those goals, bringing his league total to five in 17 matches this season. They face two important games this week though: against Lazio and IFK Goteborg. Although the Italian side hold a 3-0 lead after the first leg, the Swedish side will be hopeful of a turnaround, while IFK have only recently been dislodged from the top spot in the Allsvenskan and are only two points behind.

Pavey and AIK have been picking up close wins and points whilst being in the midst of a nine game unbeaten run. Although the former Sittingbourne man has not been on the score sheet as much as he would like (just two this season), he is doing a fine job, playing predominantly in a right-back role. Swedish sources state he is playing in a typically ‘British Bulldog’ manner, ensuring all tackles count, regardless of how the other player feels! It promised to be an exciting run-in to the season and it is hoped that one of the two Englishmen will be celebrating come the end of it.

Elsewhere in the Allsvenskan, Calum Angus continues to impress for GAIS since his loan signing from USL side Wilmington Hammerheads. The former Portsmouth trainee has played in seven consecutive matches and has scored once, looking extremely confident anywhere across the backline. Although they still sit in 13^th, just two places above the relegation zone, two consecutive wins and improved performances suggest GAIS should escape relegation and could result in Angus making his move permanent.

In the Superettan, former Chester City and Queen of the South defender Martyn Lancaster is yet to make his debut for Ljungskile following his move and hernia operation. Former Newcastle United and Huddersfield Town  midfielder Lee Makel has made an immediate impact for Ostersunds FK of Division 1, managing them to a six game unbeaten streak (albeit five of them have been draws) which has lifted them off of the bottom of the table. They still need points to move away from the relegation zone, but those above them are much closer. Makel himself has managed to score twice since re-signing for the club from St Johnstone over the summer. In the same (Norra) division, former Plymouth Argyle striker Toby Davis and Umea FC are riding high in fourth and catching the leaders, following a six game unbeaten run. Davis has been coming off the bench as a late substitute of late though, rather than being a regular starter.