NEIL Middleditch is tipping Pirates to feature in the Elite League title mix – if their youthful team can fulfil its potential.

Poole promoter Matt Ford this week put the finishing touches to his 2014 line-up by completing the signing of Przemyslaw Pawlicki.

The 22-year-old, recruited on loan from Coventry with an average of 7.15, returns to Wimborne Road after scoring 42+1 in five meetings for Pirates during 2013.

Polish race ace Pawlicki was troubled by leg problems last term but with his injury woes behind him, Middleditch is confident that he will prove an astute addition.

The Poole team manager told the Daily Echo: “I am very pleased to have Shamek back.

“He had a badly injured leg last year and he was in pain just walking, so riding a speedway bike was phenomenal.

“His leg is sorted now and he is looking like a really good prospect.”

The signing of Pawlicki left Poole with an average age of just 22.

Middleditch said: “If the team fulfils that potential, we will be a force to be reckoned with, but only time will tell.”

Pawlicki will form a powerful-looking top three alongside captain Darcy Ward and compatriot Maciej Janowski.

Looking ahead to the season, Middleditch added: “Belle Vue, Swindon and King’s Lynn all look good but it is still early days.

“You have to see how teams settle and it is a long season.”