RICHIE Worrall predicts Brady Kurtz will endure sleepless nights after breaking his rib in a crash in Poland.

Worrall, who has replaced the former Australian champion in the Pirates line-up on a temporary basis, suffered the same injury last season.

And the Poole new boy has sympathy for Kurtz, who has been in superb form in his second full campaign in the top flight.

Speaking ahead of his Pirates debut against King's Lynn tonight, Worrall told the Daily Echo: "He made the step up from the Championship to the Premiership and made it work. I've seen guys try to do it but they have ended up dropping back down.

"But he has kicked on and that has been a big boost for Poole. I watched the meeting against Belle Vue the other week and he was going quickly, as he has been everywhere.

"It's sad that he got hurt. Rib injuries are painful, I had rib injuries last year and he will be having some sleepless nights."

Assuming tonight's meeting goes ahead, Worrall will remain at Poole for a minimum of 28 days, which would keep him in the septet until at least Tuesday, August 8.

Pirates have nine meetings during that period of time, four at home and five away.

Worrall also rides for Glasgow and Polish third-tier side Rawicz.