TEAM boss Neil Middleditch admits he "dreads" taking phone calls – because he fears receiving injury news which will adversely affect Pirates' Elite League title bid.

Poole remain on course for a fourth straight top-flight crown with 11 meetings remaining of the regular season but Middleditch knows only too well the damage a sidelined rider can cause at this stage of the campaign.

Pirates have a heavy schedule lined up for the next four weeks with many of the reigning champions' riders also facing plenty of action on the continent with other clubs during that spell.

And while experienced campaigner Middleditch was not concerned by the prospect his troops could run out of steam, he revealed worries over injuries played regularly on his mind.

He told the Daily Echo: "I don't know about concerns over burnout, it's more injuries. You dread that phone call on a Sunday night after the boys have raced in Poland or on Tuesday after Sweden.

"Injuries are inherent in the business and we all know only too well what can happen. You dread phone calls at certain times of the week, particularly coming in to the business end of the season.

"We've had injuries in the past that have potentially cost us a title. This is the time of year you want to wrap them all up in cotton wool and keep them to one side so they can only race for Poole but, unfortunately, that's not something we can do.

"They all have livings to earn and that's what they do. You just hope they come through their Swedish and Polish commitments so they can ride for us.

"The boys have been fairly busy all season although of course a few more Poole fixtures will make it a bit harder for them. But they are set up for it so I've really got no problem with them riding a lot. In fact, a bit more track time for our riders will benefit us."

Pirates will target a fourth straight meeting win in the Elite League when lowly King's Lynn visit Wimborne Road tonight (7.30pm).

The Stars have recruited track specialist Chris 'Bomber' Harris and former Pirates charger Kyle Howarth for the trip to Dorset, a first away win in a month on the wishlist for the visitors.

Middleditch, whose side would rise to second in the table with victory, added: "We've got matches in hand so we're in a good position and to consolidate that against King's Lynn would be just what we need.

"Bomber makes no secret of the fact he likes riding our place and in Kyle Howarth they have plenty of Wimborne Road experience.

"I'm certainly not looking at King's Lynn's previous performances, I will just take the night as it comes.

"They are no mugs and speedway can throw anything up. They are not having the best of seasons but we still have to be wary of them."