MICHAEL SVENSSON believes his partnership with Claus Lundekvam can be the platform for three points against Fulham tomorrow, writes Adam Leitch.

After starting the season on the bench behind Lundekvam and Paul Williams, the Swedish centre-back has now established himself as a first-team certainty following a string of outstanding performances.

Svensson has started the last four games with Lundekvam and together they have only conceded two goals, helping to give Saints the third best defensive record in the Premiership.

He said: "Things are going very well now and I hope it will continue. Myself and Claus try to help each other and talk to each other.

"Every game with Claus I am learning something and we seem to be getting better and better.

"It is easy to play with good players like Claus, Bridge and Dodd - and we also Paul Williams as well.

"I hope it will continue against Fulham. They are a great team, but we have prepared very well."

Svensson admitted it had taken him some time to adjust to the speed of Premiership.

He added: "The Premiership is very, very good. You have to be on your toes the whole time.

"The pace is 100 per cent for 90 minutes and you have to concentrating all the time as if you let up for just a few seconds you can be punished.

"It is a league that has everything, pace, skill and it is physical.

"It does take time to adapt to, but I feel as if I have improved this season and I am still improving."