TEAM boss Neil Middleditch admitted he felt “sorry” for Richie Worrall and insisted: “He is trying everything.”

The Merseysider followed up a modest two paid three haul at King’s Lynn on Monday by drawing a blank at Peterborough last night.

Worrall was replaced by tactical substitute Brady Kurtz in heat 11 against the Panthers, after registering three consecutive last-place finishes.

Asked about the 27-year-old’s struggles, Middleditch told the Daily Echo: “It’s a concern, it really is. Richie is very despondent, obviously.

“It’s a difficult one and I have said before the only way is to ride yourself out of it, but it is a shame.

“I feel sorry for Richie because he is trying everything with engines and set-ups but nothing seems to be working for him.

“This league is tough and he found it extremely tough at Peterborough – we will see what happens.”

Another concern for Pirates is the fitness of Brady Kurtz, who picked up a shoulder injury in the 46-44 loss at East of England Arena.

“Brady has a knock on his shoulder,” added Middleditch.

“He was supposed to be going to Poland (today) to practice but he’s not going to go now.

“He is going to try to get an x-ray if he can but he doesn’t think anything is broken. He just feels it’s a bit tight there, so hopefully there is nothing too serious."