PIRATES skipper Darcy Ward admits he is keen to add further silverware to his bulging trophy cabinet as he prepares for tomorrow’s Elite Riders’ Championship (6pm).

The ERC is the one of the few omissions from the 21-year-old’s superb CV and he is set to come up against the likes of 2013 winner Rory Schlein and world champion Tai Woffinden at Coventry’s Brandon Stadium.

However, despite his determination to see off a classy field, the Grand Prix star insists he will not be downbeat if he fails to finish top of the pile.

Ward told the Daily Echo: “It would be nice to tick the box but it’s not going to be easy as it’s a good line-up.

“I’ve never won it so it would be pretty cool if I could, but I won’t be disappointed if I don’t.

“It’s still the start of the season and it’s not something I’m too worried about. It’s a meeting I’ve got to do and I will be racing, so we will see what happens.

“It’s just about getting a few laps under my belt.”

The format will see 16 riders compete over 20 heats, with the top two points-scorers advancing.

Riders that finish between third and sixth in the initial heats go into a race-off, with the first two joining the automatic qualifiers in the final.