PROMOTER Matt Ford is not expecting much Pirates interest in the Speedway World Cup – and says he is content with that situation.

There were long squad calls for Australian duo Brady Kurtz and Jack Holder and Denmark's Hans Andersen but none of the trio have made the cut for their respective teams' opening fixtures.

Australia face Great Britain, Czech Republic and the United States in event one at King's Lynn on Saturday, while Denmark meet hosts Sweden, Russia and Latvia in event two at Vastervik on Tuesday.

Ford told the Daily Echo: "I don't think there is going to be a lot of participation by the Pirates in this year's World Cup, whereas we've had quite a bit of interest in the past.

"If the riders get a break, I'm more than happy with that. It will be nice for them to have a holiday and enjoy themselves and put speedway to one side for a week."

The winning teams from events one and two face seeded side Poland in the final at Leszno a week on Saturday. The second and third-place teams from the initial meetings qualify for the race-off, due to take place a day before the final.

Pirates return to action against King's Lynn on Wednesday, July 12.