Paddy DavittKing's Lynn top gun Kevin Doolan has backed compatriot Ricky Wallace to bounce back from his early season struggles ahead of tonight's Premier Trophy clash against Newport at the Norfolk Arena (7.Paddy Davitt

King's Lynn top gun Kevin Doolan has backed compatriot Ricky Wallace to bounce back from his early season struggles ahead of tonight's Premier Trophy clash against Newport at the Norfolk Arena (7.45pm).

Darren Mallett gets the chance to nail a regular spot in the treble winners' septet after Wallace paid the price for failing to score in his first two official outings.

Doolan insists the young reserve needs time to find his feet following a whirlwind promotion to the Stars' line-up after original first choice Alex Davies was ruled out on the eve of the new campaign.

"It's difficult because he came over and he didn't plan to ride as much," said Doolan. "When you start off with a few difficult meetings you get to the stage where keeping someone in the team is not doing them or the team any favours.

"He would be under more and more pressure, then he would be trying too hard and possibly crashing, but he will still be around the place and riding for the National League team which gives him the chance to develop rather than pushing him too quickly.

"As a speedway rider you always have to take any chances that come along. If he had started straight away doing well then you can probably work with him. But when you have a few bad meetings and you have started off with no money and are going backwards, it's time to look at other options."

Doolan believes Mallett is coming into a team on the up after a battling 46-44 Premier Trophy reverse at Somerset.

"Darren is quite a handy little rider who did a good job at Somerset," said Doolan. "I don't know what he scored exactly but he rode well and he was in amongst it and making it difficult for the home riders. Darren has got some experience but hasn't quite made it big yet at this level before so I'm sure he is keen to.

"The team spirit is great and we have all shown flashes of what we can do in these early meetings. We need to keep building on it and making a few changes here and there to get the bikes sorted and the season will take its course. When the weather improves King's Lynn will be a great track for us with our home track advantage."

Doolan has spearheaded Lynn's early Trophy assault but warns Newport will be a tough nut after a ten-point loss in Wales earlier this month.

"They are a good team and they were really, really up for it when we went down there a few Sundays ago," he said. "I'm sure they will be again and we can't take anything for granted - especially this time of year.

"I feel like I am riding well but like everybody I've had a few mechanical gremlins at the start of season. You try to work out what it could be and you end up chasing your tail sometimes, but we're back on course now.

"I've got some excellent equipment which I developed when I was last here at King's Lynn in 2008 so I'm looking to push things forward."