FANS’ favourite Kyle Newman tonight earned a British semi-final lifeline – after initially appearing to have missed out.

The Poole-born charger was not named in either of the two line-ups in the first instance, despite being on the brink of a comeback from shoulder injuries.

It is understood the British Speedway Promoters’ Association were last week made aware that Newman would be fit in time to compete.

There was dismay among Pirates fans earlier today when the respective fields for the meetings at Newcastle and Sheffield were released without the 25-year-old included.

However, the Newcastle line-up has tonight been updated on the Speedway GB website, with Newman taking the place of Charles Wright for Sunday's meeting.

Named Poole vice-captain during the winter, Newman has not ridden since he crashed in the season-opening Darcy Ward Invitational at Wimborne Road.

However, he is set for an imminent return to action in the SGB Championship, with Ipswich's home meeting against Berwick on Thursday believed to be his return date.

Lewis Kerr – Newman’s replacement in the Pirates line-up – has been drawn in the Sheffield semi alongside the likes of Craig Cook, Chris Harris and Simon Lambert.

Newcastle: Jason Garrity, Joe Jacobs, Rory Schlein, Ashley Morris, James Sarjeant, Robert Lambert, Steve Worrall, Danny King, Richard Lawson, Ben Barker, Lewis Rose, Kyle Newman, Richie Worrall, Steve Boxall, Liam Carr, Paul Starke.

Sheffield: Lewis Bridger, Josh Auty, Edward Kennett, Carl Wilkinson, Chris Harris, Adam Roynon, Scott Nicholls, Stuart Robson, Lewis Kerr, Craig Cook, Stefan Nielsen, Adam Ellis, Simon Lambert, Robert Branford, Josh Bates, Kyle Howarth.

Reserves: Max Clegg, Dan Bewley, Ben Morley, Tom Perry.