BIG-name signing Antonio Lindback admitted Pirates had always been his number-one choice after agreeing to boost the reigning champions' title push.

The Rio Rocket last week ended a decade-long absence from Wimborne Road when he responded to promoter Matt Ford's call and joined Poole as a replacement for the injured Hans Andersen.

Currently eighth in the Grand Prix standings, Lindback last rode in the Elite League with Belle Vue in 2007 and has since raced for clubs in mainland Europe.

The 31-year-old is due to make his return to the skull and crossbones when Pirates host Wolverhampton in the Elite League play-off semi-final first leg on Wednesday.

And Lindback, a league title winner in 2003 and 2004, is relishing the chance to again don Pirates colours for the showpiece meeting.

He told the Daily Echo: "It is close to 10 years since I last raced for a team in England, so it was a long time ago.

"I've done a few meetings in the country since then and I have always kept in contact with Matt while I have been abroad.

"I have good memories both on and off the track with Poole. It is my home club in England and I have always told Matt that if I came back to England then I wanted to come back to Poole.

"I have a family now and if I raced in England regularly then I would not have as much time for them.

"That is a shame but we will see what happens in the future. For now, this is a nice opportunity to come over and do a couple of meetings, see the fans and Matt and Neil Middleditch. It will be awesome.

"I didn't expect to come back but I wanted to fit in a few more meetings so it worked out well."