Wolves star Tai in GB squad

Lyon is an enthusiastic supporter of the young wave of emerging British talent.

Parrys International Wolves ace Woffinden, blooded by previous GB boss Jim Lynch in last year's race-off at Denmark's Vojens circuit where he scored nine points, is clearly a cornerstone of Lyon's future plans.

The manager said: "Tai is the first to break out of the next generation. At 18-years-old he is the first one that leapt onto the international scene last year.

"He did himself proud at Vojens. He's set about the Elite League in that workmanlike manner. He's started off solidly and I am sure there's more to come

"He is potentially a future captain of the Great Britain team. He shows a maturity that belies his age and has all the hallmarks of achieving greatness in speedway."

Great Britain enter the tournament at the semi-final stage on home shale at Peterborough on July 13.

They tackle Australia, Poland and the winning team from the Italian round at Terenzano on May 2, which pits the hosts against Hungary, Slovenia and a German team featuring former Wolves rider Christian Hefenbrock.

While Lyon announced his choices at the Lakeside track this afternoon, Woffinden was preparing to defend his British Under-21 title at the circuit tonight (8pm) with an eye on the record books.

He's keen to at least match Simon Stead's record of three victories between 2001 and 2003. But he faces stiff opposition, particularly from Coventry's Ben Barker – third last year – and rejuvenated Eastbourne rider Lewis Bridger, who is at last producing the consistent scoring that his talent has long promised.

Lakeside number eight Rob Mear will be keen to turn his home track knowledge to good account, while his Wolves counterpart Joe Haines, seventh in 2008, should also be in with a shout.

GB squad: Scott Nicholls, Chris Harris, Lee Richardson, Simon Stead, Tai Woffinden, Lewis Bridger, Edward Kennett, Oliver Allen, Danny King, Joe Screen, Ben Barker, James Wright.