STEVE Worrall says Poole Pirates teammate Stefan Nielsen is "in good spirits" despite his potentially season-ending injury last week.

Nielsen crashed out during heat one of Poole Pirates' defeat at Birmingham Brummies after failing to get to grips with the heavy track at Perry Barr.

After crashing into the fence, a lengthy delay followed with Nielsen eventually taken to a nearby hospital. He has suffered broken ribs, a fractured collarbone and punctured lung, while also underwent a scan to determine the cause of back pain.

As such, Nielsen missed Pirates' dominant 56-34 win over Glasgow Tigers on Friday night, with Dillon Ruml guesting.

And it looks unlikely the Denmark-born Brit will return in time for the closing weeks of this season.

Worrall, who rode to many 5-1 heat wins with Nielsen this season, said: "From one to seven, it’s solid all the way through.

"It’s sad that we lost Stefan. My partnership with him was such a good partnership.

"He’d just moved to reserve position, which made the team even stronger than we were before.

"It’s just such a shame. He’s rode so well this year.

"He’s in good spirits anyway. He’s been in touch with us in the group message and it’s sad for him.

"But I think if we can keep putting performances in like we have (on Friday) then hopefully we won’t miss him too much."

Pirates return to action against Plymouth Gladiators at Wimborne Road on Wednesday (7.30pm).