LEICESTER boss Stewart Dickson says a full team effort is required as his side prepares to roar back into action on Saturday.
The Watling JCB Lions stage the first leg of their KO Cup semi-final against Poole at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena (7pm) in their first home action for five weeks.
And Dickson says now is the time for maximum support for his team, who have also finished top of the Championship table and qualified for the Jubilee League Final.
He has given particular backing to reserve Joe Thompson, who has struggled away from home of late but has still made several vital contributions at home.
Dickson said: “I had a chat with Joe after the Scunthorpe meeting last week because we know he’s low on confidence at the moment.
“I want to stress that he’s got the full support of the management and the owners, everyone is behind him, and he’s an important member of the side.
“It’s easy to forget that he’s only 18 years old, it’s his second season at this level, and this is the time when he needs the support most of all.
“We know what he can do at home especially, and with Poole being a side who are so strongly matched-up with ourselves, it will be crucial that we score well at reserve with Joe and Max (Clegg).”
Meanwhile Lions skipper Kyle Howarth is expected to be fit for the meeting despite a heavy crash at Belle Vue on Monday.
Howarth suffered whiplash and bruising and is sitting out the Tigers’ trip to King’s Lynn on Thursday, but is hopeful the extra rest will mean he is able to race at the weekend.
