Former Wells City ace James Keene back for second stint at Portsmouth

Wells-born ace James Keene has returned to English football after signing a one-month loan deal at npower League 1 side Portsmouth.

The 27-year-old striker first joined Pompey as a teenager and made his debut for the club when they were in the Premier League, playing against Bolton in March 2005.

He made just one more first-team appearance, however, before moving to Swedish side IF Elfsborg in 2007.

Keene has now returned to English football after agreeing a short-term deal with the struggling South Coast club's caretaker manager, Guy Whittingham, during the off-season of Sweden's Allsvenskan league.

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"It was a long time ago that I was last here and it feels great to be back – it's nice to come home," Keene told Portsmouth's official website.

"The club's position has changed a lot but there are still a few familiar faces around the place.

"I know Guy very well and they asked if I wanted to come and train for a few days. Now it has turned into something more.

"I left here when I was 18 so it's been a while  but I'm looking forward to playing in England again for a massive club.

"I made my Pompey debut at Fratton Park and it'll be nice to get back out on the pitch again.

"I'll work hard for the team and try to help the club win some games – hopefully I'll provide a few goals as well.

"It's going to be big challenge – everyone understands that. No one said it's going to be easy  but I'm looking forward to what lies ahead."

Keene first signed for Portsmouth as a 14-year-old but made just two first-team appearances before being sent out on loan spells at Bournemouth and Boston United.

On the advice of former Portsmouth manager Jim Smith, Keene spent a further loan spell at Swedish side GAIS in 2006, where an impressive season saw him bag ten goals and be the club's leading scorer.

That form persuaded Swedish champions Elfsborg to snap him up, with Keene signing a five-year contract.

Despite enjoying success at the club and playing well in the Europa League, injury kept Keene on the sidelines for an extended period.

He was unable to force his way back into the side upon his return to fitness and was eventually loaned out to both Fredrikstad and Djurgardens.

Upon returning to England for the off-season break, Keene received a surprise call from Portsmouth assistant manager Andy Awford and the striker has now turned full circle by rejoining on a short-term basis.

Keene was in the Pompey squad for last Saturday's home game with Notts County but the game was postponed due to a waterlogged Fratton Park pitch.