LEICESTER will hand recent signing Mickie Simpson a debut when the Roger Webster Lion Cubs face Berwick this weekend.
Former British Youth racer Simpson was named as a club asset last month but had to wait to get on track as he recovered from injuries suffered into a practice crash.
He now slots in for the Cubs in place of broken ankle victim Jamie Halder, and will race at Shielfield Park on Saturday and then back at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena on Sunday.
Elsewhere, skipper Joe Lawlor is expected back for the Cubs at Berwick after completing a prescribed six-day absence following his withdrawal from last week’s home clash with Armadale with a wrist problem.
Lawlor does, however, miss Sunday’s return fixture as he is racing for his Championship club Edinburgh, and the Cubs have booked Belle Vue’s Connor Coles to guest – with Joe Thompson taking over as captain.
The Bullets are led by the club’s Championship reserves Leon Flint and Kyle Bickley, and also include speedway returnee Greg Blair – whilst at reserve is Ryan MacDonald, who spent the first half of the 2019 season with the Cubs.
Manager Dave Howard said: “Berwick are obviously good on their home track, but I think virtually everybody in our team has ridden there in the Youth Championships and the Under-21s last year as well.
“I think it will be a tough meeting up there, but we’ll be looking to at least come away with a point if we can.”
BERWICK: Leon Flint, Mason Watson, Greg Blair, Kieran Douglas, Kyle Bickley, Ryan MacDonald, Ben Rathbone.
LEICESTER: Joe Lawlor (Connor Coles on Sunday), Mickie Simpson, Joe Thompson, Tom Spencer, Dan Thompson, Kai Ward, Ben Trigger.
