FORMER Pirates star Mark Lemon insisted British speedway needed Chris Holder back and admitted: “He ticks all the boxes.”

Former world champion Holder, who rejoined Poole in the winter, has not turned a wheel in the SGB Premiership this season as he has been battling visa issues.

Poole boss Matt Ford last week admitted the problem was “becoming unsolvable” and divulged fears the Sydneysider would not be able to don the skull and crossbones in 2018.

Holder jetted into Britain to witness Australia – team managed by Lemon – sneak into the Speedway of Nations final via a nervy qualifier at Belle Vue last night.

And Lemon revealed hopes the 30-year-old would have more than just a watching brief on these shores soon.

He told the Daily Echo: “I think British speedway would like to see Chris Holder back in the league.

“He is a high-profile speedway name and we need guys who put bums on seats. The fans like to see the top riders and Chris ticks all the boxes.

“It would be a shame to lose someone who has been so loyal to the sport in this country.

“In an ideal world, it would be great to have all the big stars back over here.”

Much has been made of the exodus of the top flight’s leading lights in recent years, many preferring to focus on the lucrative leagues of Poland and Sweden.

However, the likes of reigning world champion Jason Doyle and Holder have remained regulars in the UK. Lemon feels Holder is a better rider when busier but admits that from an Australia point of view, as along as he impresses it does not matter where he rides.

The national boss, who was contracted to Poole for the duration of his British career, said: “It’s horses for courses. It didn’t matter if Darcy Ward hadn’t been on a bike for six months, he’d be just as good.

“Some riders like to be busier and some not and, in fairness, Chris is probably better when he is busier. It’s personal preference. A lot of Australians come to the UK as their first port of call and we are all very happy to be here. We have supported British speedway and, hopefully, that will continue in the future.

“As national team manager, it’s not imperative that Chris rides here.

“Selection is based on performance and if riders are going well in whichever leagues they are racing, that’s what is most important to me.”

Australia squeezed into the Speedway of Nations final behind meeting winners Sweden and second-place Great Britain.

Team GB notched a crucial 4-2 against Sweden in heat 20 with Tai Woffinden taking the chequered flag ahead of Freddie Lindgren and Robert Lambert.

Lemon’s troops secured progress after Max Fricke and Doyle overcame Czech pair Vaclav Milik and Josef Franc in the final heat at the National Speedway Stadium.