DARCY Ward admits he is desperate to avoid a play-off semi-final with Pirates as he "would hate" to end his parent club's season too early.

The Swindon loan ace, who is tonight due to make his first appearance at Wimborne Road in 11 months, insists a last-four clash with Poole would leave him torn.

The Robins moved into the Elite League play-off spots with a comeback win at Wolverhampton on Monday in Ward's third outing for the Blunsdon club this season following his return from an FIM ban.

And ahead of his first meeting at Poole as an away rider, Ward admitted it would be difficult for him to reconcile his interests in both camps this season.

Ward told the Daily Echo: "I think it would be best for me if we didn't race against Poole in the semis. I would hate for Swindon to beat Poole at that stage, in a way, but of course I still want Swindon to win every match.

"That would be a tough one for me but I'd love to see us race each other in the final and for the best team to win. But I think whether that happens or not is going to be Coventry's choice!"

Queenslander Ward is hopeful that he will receive a positive reception from the Wimborne Road faithful and is looking forward to his return to his spiritual home (7.30pm).

He added: "I haven't thought too much about what sort of reception I will get. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but I'd like to think most fans would count me as part of the team and know that I am going to be back there at some point.

"I do think a cheer will come as I think fans will be happy to see me race at Poole, as I will be happy to race at Poole.

"It's going to be great to come back to a familiar place. Monday was a good start to a busy week for us but things could change on Wednesday as Poole is a much tougher place to go."

Pirates are at full strength but Hans Andersen and Darryl Ritchings will guest in place of Nick Morris and Lewis Rose for Swindon.

Rose sustained a fractured scaphoid and ligament damage in his shoulder when he attempted to avoid prone Pirates reserve Paul Starke in the teams' clash at the Abbey Stadium a fortnight ago.

Pirates: (from) Chris Holder, Davey Watt, Dakota North, Kacper Gomolski, Maciej Janowski, Paul Starke, Kyle Newman.

Robins: (from) Darcy Ward, Eduard Krcmar, Hans Andersen, Grzegorz Zengota, Troy Batchelor, Charles Wright, Darryl Ritchings.