Linus 'in our thoughts' ahead of Ipswich showdown

Danny Ford insists injured Linus Sundstrom is very much in the thoughts of everyone as the Pirates prepare for tonight’s Premiership play-off semi-final second leg at Ipswich.

Former Pirate Sundstrom, who rode for the club last season, was seriously hurt in a crash with Kim Nilsson riding for Rybnik at Gdansk on Sunday.

And while reports on the Swede’s condition varied depending on source, speedwaygp.com reported on Thursday that Sundstrom was due to leave intensive care, with fears for his life having eased.

Ford said: “Linus was hugely popular at Poole last season and we were all shocked to hear he’d been seriously injured in Poland.

“Reports now suggest that his condition is improving, although he will need surgery and, of course, faces a long period of recovery.

“Linus is part of the Pirates family and he will certainly be in our thoughts at Ipswich tonight.”

The Pirates head to Foxhall with a 10-point lead following Thursday’s epic comeback from 12 points behind to win 50-40 at Wimborne Road.

Both teams are at full strength.

Witches: Niels-Kristian Iversen, Cameron Heeps, Chris Harris, Richard Lawson, Danny King, James Sarjeant, Jake Allen.

Pirates: Brady Kurtz, Nico Covatti, Nicolai Klindt, Josh Grajczonek, Jack Holder, Thomas H Jonasson, Ricky Wells.