STEFAN Nielsen admitted his Pirates debut had left him “hobbling around the workshop” but vowed to make an immediate return.

The 23-year-old endured a difficult time at parent club Swindon last night, scoring a point from his first two rides before a collision with team-mate Peter Kildemand resulted in his meeting being curtailed.

Poole team boss Neil Middleditch had voiced concerns over knee ligament damage but Nielsen revealed he would be ready to race in Thursday’s British semi-final at Sheffield.

He told the Daily Echo: “I’m battered and bruised but it’s nothing serious.

"My knee is probably the worst and I have a bit of bruising on my ankle, left leg and left thigh as well.

“I was riding the outside and Peter Kildemand was riding the same part of the track and spun round.

“I tried to avoid him but I think my back wheel hit him and straightened up and I landed awkwardly in the air fence.

“My legs got caught in my bike and it toppled over me.”