POOLE captain Hans Andersen welcomes the return of the Knockout Cup – because it increases his earning power.

The 36-year-old Dane has roared to 11 trophies in British speedway including two Elite League crowns, with the Knockout Cup one of the few honours he has not won.

And Andersen, who has signed up to race in four European leagues this summer, appreciates the chance to give his bank balance a healthier look ahead of the launch of his league commitments in Poland, Denmark and Sweden.

The former Grand Prix star will lead Pirates into battle in tonight's quarter-final second-leg clash with former club Belle Vue (7.30pm), who he raced for seven years ago.

The competition is being run for the first time since 2012, a situation which suits Andersen as he aims to bring in the necessary cash to provide for his young family.

Andersen told the Daily Echo: "I ride a bike to earn a living and the more you ride, the more you earn.

"It's similar to a normal person who goes to work. They have to work nearly every day of the week rather than just two or three days.

"The only difference is our career is a lot shorter than normal working life so we are trying to make as much as we can in a short period of time, doing what we like doing.

"Some of us are pleased to see the amount of meetings going up because six, seven or eight years ago we did a lot more meetings and it was never any hassle.

"What makes me laugh nowadays is we do fewer meetings here but there are so many clashes with other leagues.

"The only hassle we used to have back in the day was Easter Monday, because Poland and England used to want to ride then.

"Apart from that, I welcome all meetings."

Andersen expects a difficult task at Belle Vue, with his team holding a slender 46-44 advantage from the first leg.

He said: "It will be tough. In Kenneth Bjerre they have a decent heat leader on a very low average and I think he makes them look very strong.

"Belle Vue's track is good but we have a team of racers who are capable of riding it really well."

Pirates are set to have Brady Kurtz available despite the fact his Polish club, Pila, are due to open their league campaign against Rzeszow. However, Lewis Kerr is riding for Scunthorpe in a Championship fixture at Edinburgh, with rider replacement used in his absence.

A minute's silence is due to be held before the meeting at the National Speedway Stadium as a mark of respect to Ron Lowe, a volunteer pit marshal. Lowe, who died following a work-related accident, had been associated with Belle Vue for more than four decades.

Belle Vue: (from) Max Fricke, Steve Worrall, Kenneth Bjerre, Justin Sedgmen, Craig Cook, Dan Bewley, Jack Smith.

Pirates: (from) Krzysztof Kasprzak, Jack Holder, Brady Kurtz, Lewis Kerr r/r, Hans Andersen, Nicolai Klindt, James Shanes.