NEIL Middleditch has revealed Darcy Ward plans to take a month-long sabbatical in his native Australia before targeting an immediate return to domestic speedway.

Poole Pirates asset Ward is banned from competing until June following a failed alcohol test at the Latvian Grand Prix in August 2014.

During Ward's lengthy wait for a verdict from world speedway's governing body – the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) – Middleditch had speculated that Ward may opt to take time away from the shale sport.

But with new equipment on order, the Aussie ace will bid to get his career back on track as soon as his enforced lay-off comes to an end on June 28.

Middleditch told the Daily Echo: "Darcy will head back to Australia shortly and is going to come back in early May with a view to practising and racing for somebody.

"If he had stayed here he would have been kicking his heels. He is still pretty hurt by not being able to ride so he is looking to get away from it all for a month, give himself a complete break and come back refreshed.

"He has ordered his equipment with the parts being assembled over here so he will be back to kick-start his career in earnest.

"Darcy was very upset with the handling of the whole matter but has taken a step back and realised he is still a young man with plenty of time in front of him.

"He has lost the best part of two seasons in the Grand Prix and will have some catching up to do but he has the talent and I am sure he has a world championship in his locker.

"This way, he will get to spend some time with his dad and clear his head while keeping himself fit."

Meanwhile, Middleditch remained tight-lipped on the prospect of Ward donning the Pirates colours this season.

"It is a tough one and, thankfully, a decision for Matt (Ford, promoter) to make," he added. "A lot of it comes down to form and it would be tough to take anyone out if the team is scoring points."

Pirates begin their season with the home leg of their Elite Shield showdown with King's Lynn tonight (7.30pm).

Middleditch will track a full one-to-seven at Wimborne Road but will run rider replacement for new recruit Kacper Gomolski, who rides in the Golden Helmet in Krosno instead, in tomorrow's return leg.

Pirates: (from) Kacper Gomolski, Chris Holder, Maciej Janowski, Dakota North, Davey Watt, Kyle Newman, Paul Starke. Team manager: Neil Middleditch

King's Lynn: (from) Kenneth Bjerre, Niels-Kristian Iversen, Robert Lambert, Nicklas Porsing, Rory Schlein, Ashley Morris, Lewis Rose. Team manager: Rob Lyon.