POLISH racer Grzegorz Zengota has warned compatriot Krzysztof Kasprzak he is gunning for an extended stay at Pirates.

Swindon asset Zengota joined Poole on a short-term deal at the end of last month and is due to make his debut in tonight's SGB Premiership trip to Leicester (7.30pm).

Kasprzak, who has attracted criticism for his underwhelming early-season form, is currently recovering from the broken collarbone he sustained in a racing crash in Poland.

And while the former Grand Prix star is due to return to the skull and crossbones later this month, stand-in number one Zengota has other ideas.

The two-time Under-21 World Cup winner, brought in on a 10.91 average, wants to impress Pirates chief Matt Ford sufficiently to keep him on board for a longer spell.

Zengota told the Daily Echo: "I'm happy I can race for Poole because they are an English club I haven't raced for before.

"It's a new experience. I'm not used to being on a short contract but I will do my best and, hopefully, I can stay until the end of the season.

"I'm starting at number one so it will not be easy but I feel there is a good chance I can do a good job for the team.

"First, I will do a few meetings and then Matt will make a decision on whether I stay or not, so we will see.

"I will do my best in these meetings and after that we will talk about the rest of the season."

Zengota last raced on these shores two seasons ago, when he was named Swindon's rider of the year despite nearly losing his team place midway through the campaign.

The 28-year-old also rode for Coventry in 2013 – where he won the same accolade – following two seasons with the Robins in 2010 and 2011.

"I have nice memories of these places," said Zengota. "Swindon is one of the best clubs in the league and I know Poole is also one of the best.

"I would like to say thank you to Matt, the club and the fans for having me and I hope I will satisfy everyone with my racing."

Zengota hit double figures in his two trips to Leicester with Swindon in 2013, although the track has undergone various changes since then.

The Zielona Gora-born rider will be joined at Beaumont Park by Rory Schlein, who has been booked to guest in the absence of Brady Kurtz.

Aussie ace Kurtz and countryman Jack Holder have Under-21 World Cup semi-final commitments, with rider replacement used for the latter.

There was concern when Schlein suffered a knee injury during Ipswich's win over Newcastle on Thursday but he has been declared fit.

Leicester have brought in Kyle Howarth and Mark Riss to guest for Erik Riss and Josh Bates, respectively.

Lions: (from) Lasse Bjerre, Jason Garrity, Kyle Howarth (guest), Danny King, Kim Nilsson, Mark Riss (guest), Danny Ayres.

Pirates: (from) Hans Andersen, Jack Holder r/r, Kyle Newman, Rory Schlein (guest), Grzegorz Zengota, Nicolai Klindt, James Shanes.