DANNY Ayres will return to the Cradley side for their vital derby clash with Birmingham at Monmore Green on Monday (7.30pm).

Ayres was a big hit with Heathens fans during his spell with the club last season and has now agreed to stand in for broken shoulder victim Adam Roynon.

Both the Heathens and Birmingham are fancied to top the National Trophy group and Monday could go a long way to deciding who wins through.

Boss Will Pottinger said: "We looked at our options for Monday and we've plumped for Danny, he's the man for the big occasion.

"He understands the rivalry with Birmingham and he understands what it means to our fans. A win on Monday would really give us the upper hand but we know what a top team Birmingham are.

"He said yes straight away when we asked him to do the meeting and I think he feels there is still a bit of unfinished business with Cradley.

"We underachieved last season but we're all enjoying the current season and we can't wait for a massive meeting on Monday."

Heathens will still have teenage whizzkid Drew Kemp at reserve which means he can take up to seven rides.

"We are fortunate with that," said Pottinger. "To have Drew at reserve is a real bonus because to be honest I thought he would be in the main body of the team right now, but his new average doesn't come into effect yet.

"Hopefully we'll see a big crowd and we can put one over the Brummies. Either way I'm expecting a great meeting."