PIRATES legend Craig Boyce has paid tribute to Troy Batchelor by labelling him "one of the most professional" teenage riders in speedway.

At 39, The Face, as Poole's all-time leading league and cup points scorer is known, is well qualified to judge any rider's ability.

And, ahead of the Dorset club's vital home Elite League top-of-the-table clash against Swindon tonight (7.30pm), the Australian international has stressed he believes the Brisbane Buccaneer is one to watch in the future.

Boyce, who is like a second father figure to 19-year-old Batchelor, said: "Troy's attitude and professionalism for a kid his age is outstanding.

"He's just a pleasure to work with and having him in our team this year is a privilege.

"As Australian team manager, I watched Troy riding in a World Junior Team Cup qualifier in Poland last week, in the most difficult conditions you could imagine, and his performance was incredible.

"He's on the top of his game at the moment, and has already shown he has gone up to the next level.

"Troy has invested heavily in his equipment this year. He has spent everything on it and it's starting to pay off for him with his scores for Poole."

Batchelor, who was born in Brisbane, is in his debut Elite campaign after joining Castle Cover Pirates on loan from second-tier King's Lynn.

The teenager, who will be 20 on August 29, only 27 days after Boyce's 40th birthday, has been receiving a lot of tips in the pits from the old boy.

Over the winter, Batchelor stressed one of the main reasons he chose Poole ahead of a host of other top-flight suitors was because he wanted to ride alongside Boyce and world champion Jason Crump.

The Poole youngster said: "Last year it was a little bit easier in the Premier and you could sometimes go out and have an easy meeting, but now if you are not 100 per cent you get no points.

"I just have to keep at it. That's why I get five sometimes and paid 13 like last week at home to Ipswich.

"Sometimes things come together and sometimes they don't.

"I have showed I can be as fast as the good guys. It is doing it at every track. That's what makes it so hard in the Elite, doing it day in, day out.

"But I'm enjoying it in the top flight with Poole."

Swindon arrive at Wimborne Road one point ahead of Poole in the table and favourites to lift their first title since 1967.

The Robins, who use rider replacement for injured Mads Korneliussen, edged a 46-44 home win over Pirates on April 5.

But that was only after a controversial heat 14 exclusion for Batchelor which earned Poole team manager Neil Middleditch a £300 fine for alleged use of foul and abusive language towards referee Graham Flint.

Poole, who will go top if they win by at least three points, are at full strength.

Pirates: Crump, B Pedersen, Boyce, Kennett, Swist, Batchelor, Doyle.

Swindon: Adams, Ulamek, Richardson, Gjedde, rider replacement for Korneliussen, Moore, Chrzanowski.