King’s Lynn Stars team boss Rob Lyon keen to play down hype around teenage sensation Robert Lambert

Stars' racer Robert Lambert. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant © 2014)

British speedway's great hope turned 16 on Saturday and is now finally legally allowed to compete in the sport's top-flight in the UK. However, ahead of his much-hyped Elite League bow tomorrow at home to Lakeside Hammers, the 16-year-old's team boss insists it's crucial that the youngster is given the time to develop his talents naturally.

Lyon said: 'I think, as is always the case, with any young rider it's about him progressing at his own rate, doing his own thing and concentrating on his racing.

'Allowing everybody else to do what they need to do and say what they want to say. The key is to not get carried away with it and concentrate on his own performances and career. We'll do everything we can to help him in that respect.

'Hopefully there won't be too much pressure on him, there certainly won't be any pressure from us, but I'm sure he'll put a little bit of pressure on himself – that's natural anyway for any rider – and hopefully he'll take it in good stride.'

The high school pupil from Foulsham, near Fakenham, has been earmarked as a future world champion following a string of scintillating performances on the continent and for the Young Stars in the National League (third tier).

Yet he remains level-headed about his own hopes for 2014 and just wants to make sure he can support the heat leaders in the team as he seeks to prove he can cope among the best his homeland has to offer.

Lambert said: 'I've got a target of five points a meeting. If I'm just over it that's a bonus. As long as I come away around that sort of area I'll be happy. If I don't I mustn't get too worked up about it. It must have been a few things I've done wrong and maybe a few things I can change to correct that and go back out there next time fighting and get them points in.

'If I put any pressure on myself it's going to hold me back. The club's not putting any pressure on me with the team being top-heavy and pulling me through. I've just got to go out there and do what I do best, and that's race – which is what I love, it's in my blood.'

Lambert is set to be a second-string rider for Lynn, competing at either number two or four, alongside young 21-year-old Dane Nicklas Porsing, when the Stars' campaign kicks-off tomorrow night.