RICKY Ashworth is back in Sheffield's side for their Premier League showdown with Newport at Owlerton on Thursday (7.45pm).

Ashworth hasn't raced since the Premier League Fours at Peterborough almost three weeks ago when he was sent flying over his handlebars - and remarkably avoided any broken bones but suffered a badly swollen wrist.

He said: "I've done three meetings in seven weeks and I'm ultra-keen to get back riding again, it's been doing my head in!

"I'm still suffering some pain from the injury but I'm going to race whatever the circumstances, it's as simple as that. I have to get back on a bike and start scoring points for the team because the rider-replacement facility to cover for me is hardly ideal as well, even though it's not so bad at home."

Paul Cooper rides in his first Premier League meeting for the Sheffield Window Centre-backed club since winning the Conference Pairs with Boston at the weekend and he'll be looking to continue his good run of form.

Newport, meanwhile, include ex-Tiger Tony Atkin who always takes it to the limit on the fast Owlerton bowl and new Polish sensation Michal Rajkowski will be keen to impress after his nation won the world cup at the weekend.

Once again, all children aged 12 and under wil be admitted free of charge as the club continue to attract the next generation of Tigers fans.

TIGERS: Ricky Ashworth, Ben Wilson, Andre Compton, James Birkinshaw, Joel Parsons, Paul Cooper, James Cockle.

NEWPORT: Michal Rajkowski, Tom Hedley, Phil Morris, Tony Atkin, Chris Schramm, Nick Simmons, Barry Burchatt.