FORD 'HOPEFUL' OF HOLDER RETURN (From Bournemouth Echo)

FORD 'HOPEFUL' OF HOLDER RETURN

12:47pm Monday 19th May 2008 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

PIRATES chief Matt Ford is "hopeful" in-form Chris Holder will be fit for their Elite League showdown with Ipswich on Wednesday.

The Aussie ace was injured while riding in a world under-21 qualifier in Poland on Sunday night. Holder complained of pains in the kidneys and across his back following the heat six spill in Zielona Gora and will definitely sit out tonight's trip to Belle Vue.

The 20-year-old will also miss an engagement in Sweden tomorrow, but could be back in the saddle for the visit of the Witches on Wednesday.

Ford told the Echo: "I'm still hopeful Chris is going to be okay for Wednesday and so is he.

"He is on his way back to Bournemouth today and will be having intensive physiotherapy between now and then.

"We don't think anything is broken and it seems to be just a bruising issue. We are hoping a couple of days' rest will do the trick and ease the pain.

"Chris phoned me this morning and said he doubles up in pain even if he just coughes or sneezes. He is in a lot of discomfort.

"Let's hope that 72 hours after his crash Chris will be ready to take his place in the team again on Wednesday."

Ford confirmed Pirates would use rider replacement for Holder at Kirkmanshulme Lane tonight as the guest facility would not be available to them.