BRITISH young gun Kyle Howarth is determined to repay Pirates’ faith and admits: Now is the time to prove myself.

The rising star will make his first appearance since joining Poole on a doubling-up basis when he lines up at Lakeside tonight (8pm).

Pirates asset Howarth will share a reserve berth with Todd Kurtz as he bids to make a name for himself in the Elite League.

The 18-year-old, who also rides for Workington, has strong links with Pirates having represented the Dorset club’s former nursery team Bournemouth Buccaneers.

Reigning Elite champions Poole tracked Howarth’s progress and opted to draft in the Manchester-based rider after he left King’s Lynn following Mateusz Szczepaniak’s move to the Stars.

Howarth scored seven paid points for Lakeside in their double Good Friday triumph over Eastbourne and is confident ahead of his return to Essex.

He told the Daily Echo: “I always wanted to ride for Pirates. I know Poole is a great club and a successful club, but it is not just because of that. I like their track as well, I know they are a good team and they have looked after me, so I want to do a good job for them.

“I think it is time to have a good go at the Elite League and see if I can do it.

“I scored points home and away for Lakeside earlier this year and, hopefully, I can do it for Poole. I believe in myself.”

Pirates chief Matt Ford said: “Each of Kyle and Todd will represent Pirates on four occasions this month.

“We certainly want to give Kyle his fair run. He is a Pirates asset and we believe he can have a big career in the sport.

“Fingers crossed, we can help him along and it is good that the club gets to use its own British asset.”

Howarth, who has been named in Britain’s squad for the Under-21 World Team Cup semi-final at Lakeside later this month, has been in fine form in the Premier League for Workington.

He added: “I feel all right and just want to keep it up and show Pirates what I can do.

“It is time to prove myself now. I am 18 and have worked really hard to get where I am so, hopefully, I can do it.”

Pirates’ trip to Arena Essex Raceway – where they will face 2011 title-winning skipper Davey Watt – starts a tough run of fixtures, with Monday’s home clash with Swindon sandwiched by meetings against Lakeside.

Ford added: “It is going to be a pretty daunting period for Pirates and I just hope we can come out of it with a few more points on the table.”

Hammers: Karlsson, Watt, Richardson, Nilsson, Robson, Mear, R Worrall.

Pirates: Holder, Ward, Miedzinski, Andersson, Kling, Lindgren, Howarth.