Worrell waiting until last minute

Steve Worrall, pictured just ahead of Jonas B Andersen and Ben Hopwood during heat seven of the Newcastle Diamonds’ PSG Championship clash with Peterborough at Brough Park. PICTURE: STEVE BROCK THE Newcastle Diamonds are sweating on the fitness of one of their top stars ahead of tonight’s tough home meeting against the Glasgow Tigers, writes Jeff King.

GB Star Stevie Worrall injured his hand whilst riding for his Premiership Parent Club, Belle Vue, on Wednesday night at Rye House and unfortunately was a late withdrawal from The Diamonds’ defeat at Sheffield last Thursday night.

Worrall is a huge part of Newcastle’s side and a very difficult man to beat around Byker’s Brough Park circuit so would be a big miss as his side look to avenge one of only two home defeats they’ve had all season after a 47 – 43 loss back in June.

The Glasgow side has a very potent heat leader trio in Richard Lawson, Aaron Summers and Stevie’s twin brother Richie Worrall. All go well around the Tyneside track and fans love to see the two twins race against each other.

Diamonds Team Manager George English is well aware of Worrall’s importance to his side and will give him every chance to be fit for tonight’s meeting.

“We are waiting on Steve’s hand injury. There’s no doubt we would love to have him in the side especially against a Glasgow team that go well on our track. As our only option to replace him if he’s not fit is rider replacement, we can give him as much time as he needs to make the decision.”

Worrall himself is optimistic but aware in speedway it’s never that straightforward.

“My hand’s getting there, I think. The swelling has gone down but now the bruising has come out and it’s pretty tender. I’ve had to wash my bikes and prepare them to be ready for racing and I think that has helped my hand.”

Belle Vue were at Leicester last night and Worrall said he intended going there hoping to ride.

He added: “I’ll have it heavily strapped up and hopefully I’ll be able to get through that one.

“If I do then I’ll see how it recovers on Sunday as I really want to ride against Richie and Glasgow to get revenge.”

Speedway riders are an incredibly tough breed of sportsmen and The Diamonds’ fans know that if he feels he can race then Stevie Worrall will be at Brough Park tonight to see if he can help his side to another home Championship win.

Tapes-Up at Brough 6.30pm. Park at