SWINDON boss Alun Rossiter has issued a rallying cry ahead of the Elite League clash with Lakeside at the Abbey on Thursday (7.30).

Despite the loss of three riders through injury in their Bank Holiday defeat by Poole, Rossiter is staying positive and has sung the praises of his remaining team members.

Nick Morris will be handed the captain’s role in the absence of Troy Batchelor and there’s a warm welcome back to the club for star guests Scott Nicholls and Hans Andersen.

Rossiter said: “I want to thank all the fans who came out to support us against Poole, it was great.

“But I understand why they went home disappointed, we lost the meeting and we had riders on their way to hospital.

“But on the positive side I thought Nick Morris was excellent on Monday and Zengy (Grzegorz Zengota) was showing improvement.

“Kyle Howarth is a very positive rider and we need to take that attitude into Thursday night – both in terms of the riders and supporters.”

Lakeside have pulled off the surprise return of Swedish Grand Prix star Andreas Jonsson who comes back to British racing for the first time in six years and have also tempted back hot Danish prospect Mikkel Bech.

Swindon are still waiting on a guest replacement for Lewis Rose, who needs to rest his ankle after crashing on Monday.

SWINDON ROBINS: Hans Andersen, Kyle Howarth, Nick Morris, Grzegorz Zengota, Scott Nicholls, Guest for Lewis Rose, Lewis Blackbird.