Former King's Lynn Stars' speedway ace Darcy Ward has accepted he may never walk again after suffering spinal injuries riding for Polish club Zielona Gora in August.

The 23-year-old Poole Pirates' asset is now preparing to return to his native Australia following the life-changing accident earlier this year.

'It's not good,' he said, in an interview with the Daily Mail. 'I've got to grips with it now that I may never walk again but I am okay with that. I've never been one to focus on the negatives. Anything is possible. With technology and medication moving forward things could change.'

Pirates' team boss Neil Middleditch confirmed earlier this month Ward would have to return to his native Australia with his visa set to expire in January, but Middleditch is convinced Ward can still have a role in the sport.

'Darcy is hopeful. He is strong minded, doing as much physio as he can and I know he will keep fighting. It is in his nature,' he said. 'I think he will still be very much involved in speedway. There is always something for him here at Poole, he knows that and Monster (sponsor) have said they will stick with him.

'He has tremendous support, the like of which I have never seen before. That is the one thing he clings to, the fact there is so much love out there for him all over the world so I am sure he will still be involved in motorsport one way or another over the next few years.

'The visa issue is a problem. From speaking to Darcy, he realises he has to go back to Australia for some time but he would like to come back here if he can.

'It's a complex situation governed by a lot of regulations but we are doing everything we can to help. He is having three or four hours of rehabilitation five days a week to help him adapt to things.

'A lot of it is re-learning to be honest and it is still early days yet. We still don't know what the future holds for him physically. He is in a wheelchair, mobile and can use his arms. Beyond that, I don't think anybody can comment with any certainty.'

Ward was identified as one of the best emerging talents in the sport when he burst onto the scene at King's Lynn in 2009 alongside his compatriot Kozza Smith and Tomas Topinka.

Still a teenager, he clinched the World Under-21 crown and was part of an all-conquering Stars' squad who won the Premier League, Knockout Cup and Premier Trophy.