PIRATES legend Ken Middleditch has likened Bjarne Pedersen’s “immaculate professionalism” to six-time world champion Tony Rickardsson’s approach to racing.

Poole’s star from the 1950s and early-60s also praised the Dane’s “attitude and loyalty” as he looks set to overtake Geoff Mudge and become the club’s fourth highest points scorer of all-time.

Pedersen goes into Pirates’ home Elite League clash against Ipswich tonight (7.30pm) only 27 behind the Aussie’s tally of 3,222½, amassed from 1960 to 1970, according to the club’s website.

A bumper score tonight and at Lakeside on Friday and Belle Vue on Monday, would ease Pedersen’s current total of 3,195½ past Mudge’s.

Middlo senior, father of current Pirates manager Neil Middleditch, is fifth in the rankings and was overhauled by Pedersen last season, the Dane’s eighth in a row at Poole.

Sturminster Marshall-based Ken, 84, still sees Pirates live at Wimborne Road occasionally, although he’s more likely to watch them on Sky TV.

Still a highly respected judge of a rider, he said: “It’s difficult to keep your place in a team like Poole for so long. But Bjarne’s very quick out of the gate and also a great technician. He can ride inside or outside, although he prefers the inside.

“He’s a very clever rider who rides with his head. He doesn’t go flat out into a corner just in hope to see where it takes him. He knows where he’s going to come out.

“His equipment is always immaculate and he, himself, is always immaculate.

“He’s like Tony in that respect, everything about Bjarne is spot on, including his attitude with the public. A lot of riders don’t have time to talk to the supporters, but Bjarne is very good with the fans, he’ll always sign autographs and make time for them.

“That sort of thing is important, both for a rider’s image and the club’s image. He’s an out and out professional.

“He’s a loyal guy and I like him very much. I’ve always admired him and he was a great Pirates captain.”

Ken added: “Bjarne’s record from 2002 to 2010 just shows the world-class consistency of his scoring.

“He doesn’t score nothing in one meeting and get double figures the next. He almost always gets among the big points.

“It’s a sign of a top rider and he’s a very good team man, which I also admire because it makes it easier riding with him.

“When Bjarne becomes fourth highest Poole scorer it’ll be a great achievement because he’s a great rider and should be very proud.”

Pirates bid to stretch their nine-point lead at the top by completing a double over Witches.

Poole should be at full strength, but Ipswich’s Dawid Stachyra is doubtful. With number eight Ritchie Hawkins already replacing the presumably unavailable doubling-up pair of Linus Sundstrom and Carl Wilkinson, Witches would have to use a Premier League guest in Stachyra’s place.

Pirates: Holder, Pedersen, Watt, Ward, Doyle, Madsen, Mroczka.

Ipswich: Nicholls, Vissing, Miskowiak, King, Allen, Hawkins, Stachyra or guest.