JAMES Shanes has been replaced by Stefan Nielsen in the Pirates line-up – but the Puddletown racer could soon return.

Reserve Shanes had endured a tough start to the campaign in a Poole race jacket.

And Wimborne Road chief Matt Ford moved for Nielsen, who has ridden for Belle Vue and Swindon in Britain’s top tier, as a month-long alternative.

Ford told the club website: "This change is being made for a few weeks and it's really to see where we stand once we have completed enough meetings for the new averages to kick in.

"James was disappointed but understood the reasons. He knows it's for a month and, after that, he could come back in.

"Stefan has done a few years in the top division and is riding well for Scunthorpe so I am looking forward to seeing him ride for Poole.

"I feel this short-term move is in the best interests of the club and we will see how things go in the next couple of weeks."

Rated at 3.67, Nielsen is set to make his debut in Pirates’ SGB Premiership clash with Swindon on Monday.

The 23-year-old was part of the British side which overcame Poland, Germany and Denmark at Neustadt on Sunday.

He also represents Scunthorpe in the Championship.