PIRATES team boss Neil Middleditch has backed new recruit Antonio Lindback to shine in the second leg of the play-off semi-final against Wolverhampton.

The Rio Rocket managed just five paid six in Wednesday's first leg at Wimborne Road, which defending champions Poole won 51-39.

The second stanza is due to take place at Monmore Green on Monday.

Middleditch told the Daily Echo: “Antonio came in cold with no practice but showed flashes of brilliance and I think he will only improve.

“He can ride Wolverhampton well. He can turn a bike, which is very important up there and he will be more determined to score some points.

“We know he is a class act, there is no doubt about it."

Reflecting on the first-leg win, Middleditch added: “I wanted 10, Matt Ford wanted 14 and we got 12 so we split the difference.

“I was very happy with the win. If you had offered me 12 points before the meeting, I would have torn your arm off.

“That said, I’m under no illusions, we have still got a job to do."