PIRATES chief Matt Ford has admitted losing Piotr Pawlicki would deliver a “devastating blow” ahead of Poole’s Elite League title bid.

Pawlicki was in scintillating form on Monday night as he scored a paid maximum to help Pirates progress to the play-off grand final.

But Poole, who are likely to face Swindon in a two-legged silverware showdown, are now sweating on the fitness of the young Polish sensation.

Pirates bosses were last night nervously awaiting the verdict on the extent of injuries sustained by Pawlicki during a Swedish play-off final first leg on Tuesday night.

The teenager damaged his shoulder in heat three and there were initial fears he had suffered a dislocation.

But the brave youngster battled on until he was involved in a heat 12 incident as he tried to avoid the stricken Greg Hancock.

The impact as he fell increased the concerns over the condition of his shoulder and he was forced to seek medical attention for a full diagnosis.

Pirates promoter Ford said: “This could be a devastating blow for us but my immediate thoughts are with young Piotr.

“He has not had a great deal of luck in the past couple of months. In fact, it seems their family is injury cursed right now with his brother Przemyslaw laid up with a broken leg.

“We will have to wait and see how serious Piotr’s shoulder is but if our worse fears are proven, it really will make retaining the league title far more difficult for us.”

Pawlicki was drafted in by Pirates after Dennis Andersson had suffered a broken leg while also competing abroad.

If Pawlicki is sidelined, the only facility open to Pirates would be rider replacement to cover for his four-point assessed average.