PIRATES asset Kyle Newman was hailed as a “real credit to British speedway” after qualifying for the European Under-21 Final.

The Poole lad, who is riding for Somerset and Peterborough this season, won his last race to finish fourth in Sunday’s semi-final in Germany and avoid a run-off for the last qualifying spot.

Dorset-based Newman now progresses to the final in Poland on August 24.

Newman said: “It is great to have made it through to the final and I’m really looking forward to racing in Opole.”

British under-21 co-boss Phil Morris, who accompanied Newman on the trip, said: “It was a tiring weekend and Kyle then faced a long drive through the night to be back for Rye House on Monday.

“That is the sort of dedication we all like to see and I would like to say how great it is to see such commitment to FIM and UEM meetings on the continent. Kyle is a real credit to British Speedway.”

Meanwhile, Newman will be joined by fellow Poole asset Kyle Howarth in the Great Britain World Under-21 Team Cup side to race in the semi-finals at Lakeside on May 27.

Joe Haines and Worrall brothers Ritchie and Steve have been named alongside Newman and Pirates doubling-up rider Howarth.

The winning nation will progress to the Bydgoszcz final on September 1.