SHEFFIELD promoter Neil Machin says the Ricky Ashworth factor will add much to the Tigers’ League Cup clash with Berwick on Thursday (7.45).

Former skipper Ashworth makes his first return to Owlerton with his new club – and Machin is looking to the current Tigers to stop him from dominating.

Machin said: “It will be the first time Ricky has been to Owlerton as a visitor and I'm sure that he will be eager to get one over us, but it's our job to nick some points from him.

“We need to make sure that he doesn't come back and inspire his new team to a win. It is a very attractive fixture because Berwick possess some excellent riders.”

Tigers have been boosted by the news that Ricky Wells has declared himself ready to ride through the pain barrier after crashing during his Elite League meeting for Wolverhampton at Eastbourne on Saturday.

He suffered a hand injury and said: “I’m desperate to give it a try. I want to score points for Sheffield and I’m going to give it my very best.”

SHEFFIELD: Josef Franc, Hugh Skidmore, Ricky Wells, Richard Hall, Emiliano Sanchez, Joe Haines, Klaus Jakobsen.

BERWICK: Ricky Ashworth, Jason King, Lee Complin, David Bellego, Sebastian Alden, Alex Edberg, Lubos Tomicek.