KYLE Howarth admits he has his eyes firmly fixed on securing future World Under-21 Team Cup final glory after being a squad member of Great Britain’s brave fourth-placed finishers.

The Buccaneers teenager, still only 16, was part of Team GB’s back-up squad at Rye House on Sunday when their 25-point tally trailed Denmark (51), Sweden (37) and Poland (35).

Howarth, on standby as first reserve after Tai Woffinden was forced to pull out through injury, also took part in official practice at Hoddesdon the previous day.

And, looking back on the experience, he said: “I had the bike set-up working really well. I really enjoyed it.

“I was at Ipswich for the Elite League Pairs with the rest of the GB under-21 boys on Saturday night. And I thought then if I did have to ride for my country I would have been pretty nervous.

“But I know that emotion would have gone once the clutch dropped.

“It was a great experience being in the pits and helping the lads out at first hand on Sunday.

“I really enjoyed the experience and I was totally happy to be there.

“We didn’t get what we wanted out of the meeting, and losing Tai to injury before we had even started was a big blow, but we raced our hardest.

“I think we could have got among the medals if Tai had been riding because we know he would have got 10, 11, 12 points or more.

“Now I know I definitely want to help GB get a medal in the future. I’d love to win one for my country.

“I’m proud to be British and I want the British fans to be proud of us.

“I want to do my best for them and I think we can seriously push for a medal in the future.

“It’s hard for me to get involved in big meetings, so it was an honour to be asked to support the boys and be in the national squad this year. It’s been a blast.”

Pirates second string Artur Mroczka got eight from six rides for bronze medallists Poland.