PETER Kildemand has admitted he expects to make his Pirates debut in the Knockout Cup clash with Somerset at Wimborne Road on Good Friday.

Poole boss Matt Ford revealed at Wednesday's press and practice that the Danish star had been approached to replace Chris Holder on a short-term basis.

At that point, the move required the approval of the British Speedway Promoters' Association's management committee.

The former Grand Prix star has since been named on the first set of green sheets published on the BSPA website, although Poole are yet to formally announce the completion of the deal.

Kildemand was tonight at Wimborne Road where he had been scheduled to appear in Poole's 70th anniversary meeting, only for the celebrations to be called off due to the forecast of wet weather.

And when approached by the Daily Echo, the 28-year-old revealed his belief that his first meeting in the skull and crossbones would be the quarter-final first-leg clash with the Rebels (11am).

Pirates are due to make the trip to the Oaktree Arena for the second leg on the same day (7.30pm).

Holder's absence has been attributed to personal issues, with Kildemand expected to be used for around four to six meetings.

The two-time Grand Prix round winner has a 7.10 average, fractionally lower than former world champion Holder.