RICKY Ashworth has lost his fitness battle and will miss tonight's Premier League match against Newcastle at Owlerton.

The Tigers skipper is still feeling the effects of his Heat 15 spill last Friday at Scunthorpe and has also ruled himself out of tomorrow evening's trip to Edinburgh.

Ashworth said: "The shoulder has made good progress and feels okay but my hand and wrist have no strength at all.

"I just couldn't cope with the vibrations of a Speedway bike at the moment.

"I'm hoping to be okay for next week's meetings."

Tigers in the meantime will operate the rider-replacement facility with all the remainder of the team eligible for an extra ride.

SHEFFIELD: Richard Hall, Emiliano Sanchez, Ricky Ashworth R/R, Hugh Skidmore, Shane Parker, Ashley Birks, Simon Lambert.

NEWCASTLE: Lee Complin, Derek Sneddon, Jason King, Stuart Robson, Claes Nedermark, Kyle Newman, Richie Worrall.