PIRATES chief Matt Ford has stressed Karol Zabik is "crucial" to the club's Craven Shield aspirations.

But at the same time Poole Castle Cover's co-promoter admitted he wants the injured Pole to make sure he is fully fit if he declares he can return against Swindon later this week.

Zabik crashed heavily during the Dorset club's 51-43 home win over Eastbourne at lunchtime on Good Friday, forcing him to miss the 52-42 return reverse at Arlington that night.

He took a heavy knock to his left wrist and it was initially believed he could have broken his scaphoid.

It is still not clear whether the former world junior champion has sustained a break, despite his scheduled visit to a Polish doctor on Saturday.

With Zabik not having ruled himself out yet though, it could be that he has got away without breaking any bones.

Ford said: "We're just hopeful Karol will be fit for our home and away matches against Swindon on Wednesday and Thursday in the shield.

"He is crucial to our plans and very much so at the bigger tracks like Swindon.

"But we only want him to ride if he is fully fit."

Ford has been happy with Pirates' start to the season, following their two battles against the Eagles and a 53-37 home triumph over Lakeside and 53-40 defeat in the Arena-Essex Raceway return.

He said: "They have been very useful results and experience against what I would consider the two top teams (apart from us).

"It's clear to see there is improvement to be had in Bjarne Pedersen and Davey Watt because neither has started the season the way they wanted to.

"Bjarne is worried about his lack of power at the moment, but what is exciting is the other five Poole riders have all piled in with useful points, in particular Freddie Eriksson."