MATT Ford believes Bjarne Pedersen could be Pirates' secret weapon and insists a return to the main body for the Dane would give the title-chasers the ideal balance.

Experienced star Pedersen has ridden at reserve recently, an unusual state of affairs given he is the second-highest points scorer in club history.

However, several double-figure hauls have put Pedersen – a replacement for Davey Watt in April – on course to return to the top five.

Pedersen, who has missed the past two meetings following the death of his mother, is set to return when Pirates host King's Lynn at Wimborne Road tomorrow.

And promoter Ford feels the 38-year-old's improved showings can only benefit his team as they chase an unprecedented fourth straight Elite League crown.

Reflecting on Pedersen's drop to reserve, Ford told the Daily Echo: "When we did Bjarne's contract, we didn't even discuss the fact he may have dropped to reserve but because the rules only take into account meetings in the past two years – and he wasn't very productive in those seasons – his average was very low.

"He's dropped to reserve but I genuinely don't think it's going to be for long. I think he will stay there for one more period and then, after that, he will then come into the main body of the team, which is where he should be.

"He's ridden so few meetings that he's been playing catch up with the rest. His gating ability is getting him out in front but he is not quick.

"I've said to him that he needs to go one or two miles an hour quicker, so he is beating the guys above him. And bearing in mind his recent scores, I have no doubt he is beginning to find his feet now.

"Within a month, I think we will see him get to the level we would like him to be at. He's still a bit of a secret weapon for us."

Part of Ford's desire to see Pedersen back in the top five stems from a hope Adam Ellis and Kyle Newman could be permanently reunited at reserve.

Both fast-track riders have found the going tough in the main body of the side, generally providing better hauls when at six and seven.

Ford added: "I still think we are better off having Adam and Kyle at reserve. In actual fact, I think we have lost meetings because they haven't been at reserve.

"That will put us in much better stead if it's the case if we get to the play-offs."