GREG Hancock says swashbuckling Pirates star Darcy Ward would be a welcome guest at speedway’s top table.

Ward turned down an invitation to join this year’s world championship series as it would have compromised his commitments in Poland with Torun due to restrictions regarding the number of GP riders in a team.

The 20-year-old Aussie wowed the crowds when he finished third in his maiden GP in Poland last year after being handed a wild card.

Ward, who has been in scintillating form for Coastal Aluminium Pirates this season, also took part in the final GP of 2011 in Gorzow.

Hancock is a keen admirer of Ward and would like to see the Queenslander join Poole team-mate Chris Holder on the full-time GP circuit.

In an interview with the Daily Echo, Hancock, who leads this year’s championship standings, said Ward and Holder were “bringing a whole new light into the sport”.

The American added: “Darcy is awesome and is the guy most people talk about more than Chris because of his youth and his ability.

“When he sits on a speedway bike, things just happen. I don’t think he is aware of it sometimes.

“He is maturing in his own way and is going give Chris more inspiration and motivation to stay on top of his game because he is right there nipping at his heels.

“If he were to qualify or be given an opportunity to take part, I am sure he wouldn’t turn it down next time. It has been a good year for him and there are big things to come from Darcy.”

Ward will replace Holder as Pirates’ number one when the Dorset side travel to Eastbourne on Saturday.