PIRATES team boss Neil Middleditch reckons Brady Kurtz has "room for improvement" in the upcoming season.

Former Australian champion Kurtz was recruited by Matt Ford on a 7.65 average after a mixed maiden top-flight campaign in the skull and crossbones.

But Middleditch, who will house Kurtz alongside brother Todd and Rye House's Davey Watt during the forthcoming campaign, believes the 20-year-old can make the step to the next level.

Reflecting on the youngster's potential, Middleditch told the Daily Echo: "There is room for improvement in our team, especially with Brady.

"I don't want to put the mantle of the younger Turbo Twins on him and Jack Holder but they have been mates since they were kids and are now together in a team, so that will be good for team spirit.

"Brady has been here a year and has ridden all the tracks and he now has to show exactly what he's got."

Kurtz has recently been recovering from a hip injury which he sustained during last month's Australian Under-21 Solo Championship.

A scan revealed no broken bones but the Poole charger sought a second opinion from a physiotherapist, who concurred with the original diagnosis of bruising.

Kurtz stated there was "no doubt" he would be fit for the start of the season.