PIRATES co-promoter Danny Ford revealed reserve Ricky Wells had been riding through the pain barrier with a shoulder injury which has “intensified in recent weeks”.

The American charger, brought in as a replacement for Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen in June, has been given a week to rest and will not feature in Thursday’s SGB Premiership clash with King’s Lynn at Wimborne Road (7.30pm).

Poole are set to track Ryan Douglas as a guest for Wells.

Australian Douglas scored a staggering 18+1 guesting for Peterborough against Swindon on Monday.

Ford told the club website: “Ricky sustained a shoulder injury earlier this season and the problem has intensified in recent weeks.

“Ricky being Ricky he didn’t want to feel like he was letting anyone down and was determined to carry on but we felt a week off would do him good and help his recovery, so Ryan will step in on Thursday.

“Ryan’s been in great form and scored paid 19 as a guest for Peterborough against Swindon on Monday night – hopefully he can perform like that again but in the Pirates race jacket.”