RESILIENT reserve Josh Bates insists he is ready to roll as Leicester go in search of a fourth straight home success against Belle Vue on Saturday (8pm).
Bates found himself in the fence during the first attempt at heat 15 last weekend before dusting himself off to help secure a 46-44 victory over Rye House.
Seasoned Rockets charger Chris Harris was excluded, paving the way for a welcome Watling JCB Lions triumph but Bates had no axe to grind over the coming together in a tight first bend.
“You’d have to put me in the fence harder than that, I was always going to get back up,” said Bates.
“There are no hard feelings towards Bomber. When there are three of you going into the corner like that, one of you is coming off.”
Meanwhile, team boss Jim Lynch is heartened by recent Leicester performances and upbeat ahead of welcoming the title chasers.
“In the past three matches we have managed to keep the promise I made to the Leicester supporters to give them something to shout about,” said Lynch.
“We won at home and managed to get two points on the road. Now it’s all about beating Belle Vue, I want us to stay unbeaten at home for the rest of the season.”
Kim Nilsson and Lasse Bjerre are both due to return for Leicester following recent injuries.
Todd Kurtz steps in at reserve for Kyle Newman and rider replacement operates for Danny King with both riders on Championship duty for Ipswich. Former Aces racer Richie Worrall stands in for the injured Pawel Przedpelski.
For Belle Vue, Paul Starke and Scott Nicholls guest for injured pair Rohan Tungate and Max Fricke. Rider replacement operates for Craig Cook who competes in the Grand Prix Challenge.
*To read the full interview with Bates, pick up a copy of the Lions programme. It is packed with content and a bargain at just £3.
Bjerre will also taking part in a meet and greet between 6.30 and 7pm by the main entrance so fans can get autographs, selfies and have a chat with the Lions charger.
WATLING JCB LIONS: Kim Nilsson, Erik Riss, Lasse Bjerre, R/R for Danny King, Richie Worrall, Josh Bates, Todd Kurtz.
BELLE VUE: Kenneth Bjerre, R/R for Craig Cook, Steve Worrall, Paul Starke, Scott Nicholls, Dan Bewley, Jack Smith.
