MATT Ford believes that his three "cocky lads" will rise to the occasion as Poole Castle Cover Pirates get their season under way in Saturday night's challenge match at Eastbourne (7.30pm).

Concerns have been raised that the inexperienced trio of Edward Kennett, Jason Doyle and Troy Bachelor may be the chink in the armour of this season's line-up.

But Ford insists that there will be no lack of confidence from three of the brightest prospects riding in this season's Elite League.

Indeed, young Aussie Bachelor showed he was no shrinking violet at Thursday's press and practice day as the first Pirate out of the pits and storming down the length of the Wimborne Road track with a wheelie to the appreciation of the spectators.

Ford told the Daily Echo: "There is a nice air of arrogance about them. They all believe they are better than each other - and I like working with people who have that flair and ambition about themselves.

"They are not frightened of anybody and all believe they are capable of beating the best riders in the world.

"They are three cocky lads who want to go out and achieve things for us.

"I honestly do not believe that we will struggle at the bottom end of the team."

Although Pirates have yet to name their number eight rider for the new campaign, Ford revealed that his identity will be confirmed in the near future.

Ford said: "We haven't put a great amount of importance in the number eight slot. But we will announce our number eight shortly and he will play his part if required.

"If our luck is anything like last season, we will need him.

"Injuries affect speedway more than any other sport. If you lose a player in football, you bring in someone else from the squad - but you cannot have that in speedway."

Although Russian rider Sergey Darkin's involvement has still not been confirmed, Ford remains hopeful he will be able to take his place.

Ford said: "There is a chance that we could still have Sergey on board in time for Eastbourne on Wednesday. We're waiting on the phone, but the Russian Embassy are trying to rush through his paperwork.

"We've spoken to a couple of riders who are effectively on stand-by and would step into the team if Sergey is not here in time.

"It's frustrating but there is nothing we can do about it and we just have to be patient."

Poole line-up: Jason Crump, Ed Kennett, Bjarne Pedersen, Brent Werner (guest), Craig Boyce, Jason Doyle, Troy Batchelor.