DANNY King will guest as number one for Poole Pirates in Monday’s Elite League play-off semi-final first leg at King’s Lynn.

Promoter Matt Ford yesterday revealed the surprise choice despite previously hinting at the prospect of utilising rider replacement for suspended talisman Darcy Ward.

King started the season as number one at Birmingham Brummies but saw his average drop to 6.71 during an ill-fated campaign in which the Midlands outfit went out of business.

Ford admitted his change of heart had been brought about by recent injuries to Shamek Pawlicki and Vaclav Milik but insisted that King was capable of producing the goods at the Norfolk Arena.

Ford told the Daily Echo: “We looked at the fact that Vaclav and Shamek have been nursing injuries and decided it would not be wise to go with six men given their circumstances.

“Going with rider replacement could have left us vulnerable.

“I stand by what I said in that we cannot replace Darcy Ward but Danny is the best of the riders available and someone I expect to relish such an important meeting.

“He scored well in the World Cup fixture at King’s Lynn and managed 10 points there when the Stars were going through their dominant spell at the start of the season, so he has the pedigree to do well.

“Danny has it in him to up his game and what better way to do that than in the play-offs.”

Craig Cook slots into the number two berth vacated by the injured Josh Grajczonek, while Milik lines up at three and Pawlicki at four.

King’s Lynn have named Grand Prix ace Kenneth Bjerre as their number one with guest Scott Nicholls at three.

Simon Lambert continues to deputise for Lewis Rose at reserve for Stars.