NEIL Middleditch admits he is trying to wrest control of thrill-seeker Vaclav Milik’s daredevil escapades – but the Poole Pirates boss is not holding his breath.

The impulsive Czech, 21, has continued his swift rise to prominence on the European scene with a purple patch in June for Pirates, homeland club Pardubice and individual meetings.

But while Milik, Poole’s only ever-present rider in the Elite League this season, may have won over the Wimborne Road faithful with his fearless antics, Middleditch would like the rookie to develop a more measured approach – not least so he could bear to watch.

Discussing Milik’s prominent form, Middleditch told the Daily Echo: “Vaclav is a spectacular rider who gets good scores on the continent as well as here. He is striking the right balance and doing his job.

“He is a young, enthusiastic man who just wants to race as fast as he can. You have to enjoy your racing and it is no coincidence that people who are happy round the pits tend to go out and do well and that is certainly the case with Vaclav.

“I do keep telling him to ride with his head as well as his throttle, though, because it has cost us points at times.

“I’m probably wasting my breath because he never backs off but eventually, he will have to learn because no one wants to see him get hurt and the very best riders manage to find that discipline.

“It must be great for the fans because he is an all-action character who will give you a heart-in-mouth moment more often than not but I have to be honest, sometimes I have to close my eyes.”