Midfielder Steve Spriggs has revealed he will fulfil a lifelong ambition to play abroad when he swaps King's Lynn Town for Swedish professional outfit Ytterhogdals IK next month.

The talented wideman, Lynn's leading scorer this season with 19 goals, will move to Scandinavia at the end of March after agreeing to join the Swedish Division Three side.

Spriggs admits he will find it difficult to leave Gary Setchell's team during their United Counties Premier Division title run-in but admits the lure of playing in a foreign country was too good to turn down.

The 23-year-old said: 'I've always wanted to experience playing football in another country and the chance sort of fell in my lap.

'I had debated going to play in Australia before I signed for Lynn but I decided not to. Even though I've been running a successful business for three years (Premier Sport franchise), I thought if I don't do it now I'm never going to do it.

'I haven't travelled or moved away because of football. If it can take me somewhere so I get to see a bit of the world at the same time then that's perfect. It's a bit of a gamble I guess but I went with my gut feeling. I haven't taken the decision lightly because I love playing for Lynn.'

The former Cambridge United Academy player, whose dad Steve is the U's record appearance holder, has scored an incredible 45 goals for Lynn in 90 appearances since joining from Wroxham in June 2010.

He will link up with Linnets' back-up keeper Luke Owen at the fifth-tier Swedish club and admits his friend's presence in Scandinavia played a large in his decision.

The former Ely City and Mildenhall Town wideman said: 'I've found it tough since the news came out yesterday because I got about 60 Tweets wishing me all the best from fans, which is phenomenal for a UCL club.

'I'm really going to miss the lads. Ross Watson is one of my best mates and lots of my team-mates are friends outside of football. Plus the gaffer's been a Godsend to me. I can't thank him enough as he's helped me off the pitch when I've had issues. Hopefully I've repaid his faith in me. I've enjoyed playing for him so much.'

Setchell praised Spriggs for being 'honest and up front' about the move despite trying to convince him to stay at Lynn.

The Lynn boss said: 'Of course I'm disappointed he's going because Spriggsy's been superb for me.

'He has offered to give his services to the club until he leaves for free if I have to get someone else in. He's not burnt any bridges with me or the club and maybe in a year he could come back and play for us again - hopefully at a higher level.'

Spriggs' last game for Lynn could be their League Cup semi-final against Peterborough Northern Star at The Walks on March 27.