BELLE Vue have signed rising Swedish star Linus Eklof - as a reward for two impressive guest appearances in the Knockout Cup Final against Poole last October.

Team boss Jim Lynch called in the 22-year-old to replace absent Pole Lukasz Jankowski and immediately put him on his 2012 wanted list.Lynch said: “Linus was riding for Berwick in the Premier League and he knew we would be taking a close look at him. He only rode for us in those two matches but he took his chance to show what he could do with seven points and two bonus over the two matches.

“He wants to be a full-time Belle Vue rider, rather than double up with a Premier League club, which he could do. That’s what we wanted and it’s a brave decision which shows his commitment.”

SWINDON Robins have swooped to sign Premier League title winner Nick Morris.

Australian-born Morris, 17, won the second tier with Glasgow Tigers last year and impressed when doubling-up with Coventry in the Elite League.

Swindon co-promoter Gary Patchett said: “Alun Rossiter (manager) and I liked the look of Nick when we first saw him in the UK a couple of years ago and we’re delighted to have him here. His father, Lee, is a close personal friend and Nick rides Blunsdon well, as we found to our cost last season!

“He will be in the top five but I have no concerns about that as he has the talent to go a very long way in the sport.”