Norfolk speedway star Robert Lambert has been backed to go all the way to the top of his sport.

Niels-Kristian Iversen believes the 20-year-old has what it takes to make the grade – but says the route to the top is in his own hands.

Iversen was a frustrated spectator as skipper Lambert and the King's Lynn Stars came up just short in their attempt to claim the Premiership crown for the first time in their history on Wednesday night, when the Poole Pirates completed an aggregate play-off final victory.

Lambert – the reigning British and British Under-21 champion – once again led by example, as he has all season, with 13 points.

'We had a great team this year and we have a lot of good riders,' he said. 'And Robert has been outstanding. It is up to him now. He has got everything he needs to go all the way to the top.

'It is up to his own attitude and ability to take it as far as he possibly can. He definitely has the talent and the people around him – he has a lot of support, so definitely he can go a long way and I think this year he has moved on massively.

'Time will tell.'

Iversen was forced to watch the play-off final second leg from the pit after being ruled out of both leg following a crash in Poland on Sunday.

'It was pretty hard to watch,' he said. 'You want to be able to go on the track to do what I am supposed to and help the team. The boys fought really hard and almost managed to pull it back, but it wasn't quite enough. Second to me doesn't really count.'

However, Iversen is confident he will be able to pull on the number five race jacket next Wednesday and Thursday when the Stars take on play-off semi-finalists Somerset Rebels in the final of the KO Cup.

'I think everybody is more keen,' said Iversen. 'Had we won this one maybe the fire would not have been as big for next week but I think everybody is pumped up to get the result against Somerset. But then again I think Somerset will probably feel the same because they missed out on the final in the last corner.

'I want to be there, I want to ride there and do what I can to turn this disappointment around and I am pretty sure everybody in the team feels the same way, so let's go and do it.'

Play-off reaction – inside