PORTADOWN-BORN Daryl Smylie (pictured) is on course for a Champions' League debut.
Smylie was snapped up last November by Kalmar FF - Sweden's defending top-flight champions - and appears in line to travel to Hungary for the club's qualifying-round first-leg clash with Hungary's Debreceni VSC on July 14 or 15.
"The manager is o
ne of the most respected in Swedish football and I am really enjoying my time at Kalmar," said Smylie. "The boss is renowned for taking his time to introduce fresh signings into the starting line-up but I am happy at the club and hope to kick on over the last few months of the season.
"We are in the middle of a break at the minute and the Allsvenskan league runs to November but obviously the Champions' League tie is something to relish and just a few weeks away.
training
"We spend a lot of time during the week studying the opposition and watching DVDs then applying various methods over training so I am sure it will be the same approach for the European match.
"Training is usually held every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with a matchday on Sunday but fixtures also come thick and fast during the week.
"I would be hopeful of making the Champions' League squad as over the past few weeks I have featured on a more regular basis and the manager seems happy with my progress.
"I have suffered from a few small injuries, although nothing too serious.
"The manager would use a 4-1-4-1 formation which then can switch to 4-3-3 and I have been called on in a number of attacking positions.
"We have quite a few midfielders and forwards in the squad but I am starting to become more and more involved.
forward
"Kalmar are in the middle of a good run of form so that is also encouraging and it is great to get a chance to bomb forward from midfield."
The former Newcastle United and Livingston player has been based in Sweden since 2007 and admits to loving life in Scandinavia.
"The good thing is the manager encourages you to develop at your own pace so that takes the pressure off the new arrivals.
"I was handed the number 10 shirt when I joined and that belonged to the previous season's top scorer, who is now playing in Holland.
"I didn't know what to expect as a result but everyone has been so friendly, plus the area is great and close to the beach.
"I signed a three-year contract so view my time with Kalmar as a long-term process as it is a superb club and I feel really settled."
