AUSTRALIA boss Mark Lemon believes Brady Kurtz and Jack Holder are learning valuable lessons in Pirates colours.

Lemon is poised to name his Speedway World Cup long squad and the Poole duo will be among those hoping to be included.

Both riders are eligible to feature as an under-21 in July's prestigious event but could also be chosen as a senior member of the team.

Lemon told the Daily Echo: "It looks like they are riding well so I'm pretty happy.

"Last year, Brady didn't take too many steps forwards and both of them went backwards slightly in the Australian summer but I'm sure they have learned from that.

"The under-21 rule gives an opportunity for someone who falls in that bracket."

Neither Kurtz nor Holder will be available for Pirates' SGB Premiership trip to Leicester on Saturday as they have Under-21 Speedway World Cup commitments.

The youngsters are due to race for Australia against Great Britain, Russia and hosts Germany in the semi-final in Pocking.

Poole are likely to use the rider replacement facility and a guest as cover but no final decisions have been made.

Neil Middleditch's troops have not raced in three weeks, with Monday's fixture at Wolverhampton postponed due to inclement weather.