PIRATES promoter Matt Ford is desperate for Josh Grajczonek to rediscover prime physical condition for the Elite League play-offs – despite his hectic recent schedule.

The Aussie has ridden no less than 17 meetings in 19 days for Poole and Premier League club Workington respectively.

His schedule became even busier after Workington qualified for the play-offs on Saturday and Ford does not want the second-stringer to suffer burnout.

Grajczonek played an instrumental role in Pirates’ play-off joy in 2013 but has turned in mixed performances of late.

Speaking before last night’s trip to Leicester, Ford told the Daily Echo: “Josh has not always been at the top of his game recently because he has been riding too much.

"He has ridden a ridiculous amount of fixtures and Workington qualified for the play-offs on Saturday, which means he now has more meetings.

“I was selfishly hoping he would have a bit more of a rest, but he’s told me not to panic. It’s a bit unfortunate for us. It was not meant to be so we’ll just carry on and do what we need to do.”

Ford reiterated that Pirates had done a remarkable job to maintain their good form despite recent injuries.

Darcy Ward’s suspension and injuries to Shamek Pawlicki and Vaclav Milik resulted in Poole using a string of guests.

Ford added: “These injuries have hit us hard. People keep on about what’s happening at King’s Lynn because they have got Niels-Kristian Iversen, Kenneth Bjerre and Lewis Rose out.

“But not a word’s been mentioned about the fact we have got Darcy Ward, Shamek Pawlicki and Vaclav Milik all missing.”