CRADLEY boss Will Pottinger is backing his top end stars to rise to the challenge of facing a Great Britain international when they host Eastbourne tonight (7.30pm).

The Eagles are led by former Birmingham favourite Adam Ellis, who has just been named in the initial Team GB squad ahead of the World Cup Final at Belle Vue next month.

The talented 20-year-old is currently one of the hottest properties in British speedway – but Pottinger believes flying top three Ashley Morris, Max Clegg and Luke Chessell can match the in-form ace at Monmore Green.

He has called on the Heathens to maintain their home dominance and bolster their play-off push with three vital points against the second-placed Arlington outfit.

Pottinger said: “Eastbourne are second in the league, so they are having a good season and have a great No.1 in Adam Ellis.

“He’s a very good rider, probably too good for the National League, but it’ll be a good test for Max, Ash and Luke to come up against someone of his calibre.

“He is a threat, but our top three have been riding excellently at home so I’d expect there to be some great racing between them.

“It’s going to be a tough meeting for us, but we need to get three points to get our play-off hopes back on track.

“Every point is going to be vital against a good Eastbourne side, so we need to be at our best from the start and not throw any points away.”

CRADLEY: Ashley Morris, Ben Basford, Luke Chessell, Richard Andrews, Max Clegg, Layne Cupitt, Bradley Andrews.

EASTBOURNE: Adam Ellis, Gary Cottham R/R, Ellis Perks, Georgie Wood, Jake Knight, Luke Harris, Charley Powell.