Wolves gear up for Brummies

Tai Woffinden will make his full debut for Wolves as they take on Premier League side Birmingham in the first leg of the Midland Shield.

17-year old Wolves asset Woffinden, who has spent the past two seasons on loan to Premier League side Rye House, replaces David Howe in the line-up, after the former Great Britain international was dropped last week after a string of poor scores.

The teenage sensation warmed up for his Wolves debut in perfect fashion, as he triumphed in the Premier League Riders Championship at Sheffield.

Woffinden is currently rated as the hottest prospect in British speedway, appearing in Great Britain's World Cup side earlier this season, so Wolves have high hopes for his future.

Three Wolves stars appeared in the U21 World Cup Final at Holsted in Denmark, with Nicolai Klindt and Morten Risager scoring well for the host nation as they lost out by a single point to Poland, while Ludvig Lindgren scored five points for Sweden.

Both teams have undergone several other changes for the inter-league clash in order to even up the sides, with Wolves' Danish stars Niels Kristian Iversen and Jesper B Monberg rested, replaced by Eastbourne's Lewis Bridger and Redcar man Chris Kerr.

The Brummies have been strengthened by the addition of Eastbourne's Edward Kennett and Poole's Davey Watt, in place of injury victims Kyle Legault and Jack Roberts, while former Wolf Ben Wilson replaces Jay Herne at reserve.

Jason Lyons scored just five point in the Premier League Riders Championship, suffering a tape exclusion in his first ride.

His speed around Monmore Green is well known from his years with Belle Vue, and he should once again be at the forefront of the Brummies attack.

Wolves: Fredrik Lindgren, Morten Risager, Tai Woffinden, Nicolai Klindt, Lewis Bridger, Chris Kerr, Ludvig Lindgren.

Birmingham: Davey Watt, Craig Watson, Jason Lyons, Tomasz Piszcz, Eddie Kennett, James Birkinshaw, Ben Wilson.