UNDER-fire Great Britain boss Neil Middleditch has launched an impassioned defence of his controversial selection policy by hitting back at the doubters.

The Pirates and GB manager has come in for some heavy criticism for his choice of riders during the 2013 World Cup campaign.

Some supporters and pundits questioned the decision to pick Edward Kennett over hot prospect Richie Worrall for Event Two at King’s Lynn.

After Kennett (one point) and Craig Cook (four) had failed to make a major impact on Monday, Middleditch wasted no time in wielding the axe.

But the inclusion of Ben Barker and Lewis Bridger, ahead of the likes of Danny King, for tonight’s race-off in Prague has also sparked intense debate, with an angry Cook slamming the decision.

After finishing second to dominant Denmark on Monday, the new-look Brits will battle it out with favourites Australia, Greg Hancock-inspired USA and outsiders Latvia for the chance to meet Czech Republic, Poland and Denmark in the final on Saturday.

And Middleditch is convinced he has chosen the best team for the task.

He told the Daily Echo: “It always sparks debate. Ed was disappointing and Craig Cook tried hard but I don’t think he showed any great speed.

“I don’t think anybody can criticise me for changing. It is the World Cup and you have got to put out the best team possible.

“The World Cup is not for bringing through youngsters, that is for Test matches. We have got good lads coming through but this year is not the time. You don’t see football managers putting in someone because he looks promising. You put out the best team to try to win the competition.

“Young riders can gain experience racing in Sweden, Poland and in Test matches.”

Barker and Bridger will line up alongside Tai Woffinden and Lions captain Chris Harris. Barker has experience of the Czech league, while Bridger, who rides in Poland for Rybnik, reportedly has fast equipment ready to go in Prague.

The Marketa Stadium-hosted race-off will also see Middleditch lock horns with Pirates number one Darcy Ward, the Australian sensation he has mentored for much of his British racing career.

Ward lodges with the Middleditch family at their Dorset home.

USA have been drawn in red, Latvia will ride in blue and GB will wear white, with Australia competing in yellow.