RICKY Ashworth has given Sheffield Tigers a boost by declaring himself fit for Thursday's Premier League clash with Edinburgh at Owlerton.


Ashworth, who has suffered with wrist injuries since crashing at Peterborough a month ago, came through an intensive practice session at Scunthorpe on Wednesday with no ill effects.

But Tigers will to into the match against the Monarchs without Ashworth's opening race partner Ben Wilson, who suffered damaged ribs and friction burns in last Saturday's defeat at Stoke. The home side will operate the rider replacement facility in the absence of the former British Under-21 Champion.

Meanwhile, Paul Cooper will also ride on despite suffering three bruising crashes in the last week and heavy machine damage as a result.

Tigers are looking for revenge after their controversial exit from the Knockout Cup against the Monarchs earlier in the season - but the Edinburgh team is a very different one on this occasion.

The Scottish side now boasts a top end of former Sheffield man George Stancl and experienced Finn Kaj Laukkanen, recently released by Elite League Belle Vue.

Sheffield co-promoter David Hoggart said: "We were very upset when a mis-interpretation of the rules in the Cup match led to us being disallowed a reserve replacement when James Birkinshaw was ruled out during the first leg.

"Off the back of that there was a discussion with an official at the return leg, which resulted in us taking the issue to the authorities and asking for the first leg to be re-run, but this was declined. We are now therefore on a revenge mission."

As usual, children aged 12 and under will be admitted free when accompanied
by a paying adult thanks to the club bosses and their sponsors, Sheffield
Window Centre.

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

EDINBURGH: George Stancl, Derek Sneddon, Kaj Laukkanen, Kalle Katajisto,
Matthew Wethers, TBC, Andrew Tully.