SHEFFIELD’S task against rivals Belle Vue at Owlerton tonight has just got harder after losing key reserve Stefan Nielsen.

Nielsen has been in fine form since joining the club but is ruled out after suffering collarbone, rib and lung damage in a crash at Birmingham last night.

Club bosses are now scouring the list of available riders to slot in as a replacement for the mouthwatering meeting against the Aces which is expected to pull in a bumper crowd.

TruPlant Tigers boss Simon Stead said: “It’s a devastating blow to lose Stef because he’s done a great job for us and I was gutted when I heard about it last night.

“We’re working on a replacement for tonight but it was going to be a tough task against Belle Vue as it was, now it’s just got harder.

“Everyone at the club wishes Steff a speedy recovery.”