BRADY Kurtz backed Jack Holder to improve his form for Pirates and insisted: “I’ve got no doubt he will be up banging in the double figures.”

Holder has endured a difficult start to the campaign after returning to ride at number one for Poole.

The 23-year-old has recorded scores of 6+2, 3+2, 11+1, 4+1 and 6+1 since his comeback to Wimborne Road from Somerset.

Aussie ace Holder is set to turn out for Poole in a challenge match against the Rebels at Oak Tree Arena tomorrow (7.30pm).

Asked about close friend Holder’s start to the campaign, Kurtz told the Daily Echo: “He will be back. He had been struggling a little but I think the number one riding order is really hitting him hard.

“When you’re not performing, the races for a number one are clearly harder than all the other numbers. It will punish you if you’re not up to your game.

“But he will be all right. Give him a couple of weeks and he will sort everything out. I’ve got no doubt he will be up banging in the double figures.”

Kurtz, who spent virtually all of last season at number one for Poole, revealed how struggles on track could lead to tough critics online.

He added: “I am sure Jack’s copped enough off social media and everything. He doesn’t need me asking him about it as well.

“Everyone just needs to let him get on with it – he’s just a kid, let him race his bike!

“Everyone saw I copped a lot of stuff (on social media) last year and it’s best just to try not to worry about it too much.

“Obviously that’s difficult, social media is a pretty big part of life these days – that’s the job.”

Poole are set to be without reserve Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen against Somerset, while Nico Covatti – who doubles up with the Championship side – is set to ride for the hosts.

That means Pirates will bring in Paul Starke and Jordan Jenkins as guests at reserve.

Pirates: 1 Jack Holder, 2 Richie Worrall, 3 Nicolai Klindt, 4 Josh Grajczonek, 5 Brady Kurtz, 6 Paul Starke (guest), 7 Jordan Jenkins (guest).

Rebels: 1 Rory Schlein, 2 Todd Kurtz, 3 Josh Bates (guest), 4 Nico Covatti, 5 Chris Harris, 6 Henry Atkins, 7 Anders Rowe.