PIRATES chief Matt Ford admitted Hans Andersen's absence for the trip to Leicester would be a frustration – but insisted the Dane would ride in Russia with his blessing.

Former Grand Prix star Andersen will miss Saturday's clash with the Elite League's basement side, instead riding in the third round of the Speedway European Championship in Togliatti.

Ford has dipped into the Premier League to find a replacement with Newcastle's Victor Palovaara booked but the promoter admits banking a high points return will prove tough for the Swedish youngster.

Poole have further availability issues with Australian charger Brady Kurtz set to ride in the Under-21 Speedway World Cup in Norrkoping, Sweden, also ruling him out.

Rider replacement will be utilised to cover for the 19-year-old.

Reflecting on the absences of Andersen and Kurtz, Ford told the Daily Echo: "Sadly Hans won't be available to us and because the European Championship is not recognised by the BSPA, our only facility will be a Premier League rider with an average below six points.

"Victor rides in Sweden and is a good gater and I'm hoping he will be able to step up and get us a few points, although of course they are huge shoes to fill.

"Hans and I had agreed at the start of the year that if he was in with a shout of winning the European Championship then he would do this weekend's meeting in Russia but that if he was out of contention then he would ride for us.

"He is three points off the top so there is everything to ride for.

"It is frustrating. I'd much prefer he was with us but on this occasion he can't be.

"It just so happens that the Leicester fixture has fallen on a Saturday where there are meetings on the continent. We have to take it on the chin and hope the rest of the team can go to Leicester and get a victory."

Pirates will hope to extend to six meetings their winning run when they face the Lions.

Neil Middleditch's side are in fine form having secured victory in nine of their past 10 meetings and taken a point in the remaining fixture.

Leicester ended a five-match losing run when they defeated visitors Coventry 11 days ago but have not ridden since. Norrie Allan's troops are seven points behind King's Lynn in seventh.

Meanwhile, Poole Speedway is to slash prices for its Celebration of Speedway meeting against Leicester on Wednesday next week.

Admission for the Elite League clash will be just £10 with all adults entitled to bring an under-16 for free, taking prices lower than they were 25 years ago.

Live music will help create a party atmosphere with free air horns and vuvuzelas set to be given to the first 200 children who enter the stadium.

Gates open at 6pm with tapes up at 7.30pm. The Celebration of Speedway meeting is set to become an annual event.