Speedway rider Darren Mallett will complete his 18-month comeback from a broken leg by featuring for King's Lynn Young Stars tonight.

Mallett has been sidelined for a year-and-a-half but is expected to take to the Norfolk Arena shale for tonight's National League clash with Stoke Potters.

Young Stars team boss Dale Allitt admits his return is a welcome bonus for his struggling outfit who sit bottom of the table - 14 points behind their visitors.

He said: 'It gives us a huge boost and everyone at the club is really pleased he's going to be racing again.

'He's been a big part of the club for 10 years at Premier League and National League level and he's still got plenty to offer.

'I don't want to put too much pressure on him, because he's been out for so long, but it's a big bonus to have him back.'

With the Saddlebow Road club's senior side having finished their Elite League campaign, Allitt is hopeful for a decent turnout this evening from Lynn supporters.

Former rider James Cockle returns months after his departure, while recently-crowned National League Riders champion Ashley Birks also lines up for the Potters.

'I've known James a long time – he was with us last season and most of this,' said Allitt.

'It didn't quite work out for him and he'll want to come back and prove a point.

'But our guys will want to prove a point to him as well.

'As for Ashley, I'm sure he's a rider who is being looked at by Rob (Lyon, Stars' team boss) and others. He's one who definitely had a big future in the sport.

'I'd expect this to be his last year in the National League. You never know. You could see him in Stars' colours in years to come.'

The Potters did the double of Lynn last season and beat the Young Stars 53-36 at Loomer Road back in July.

Stoke team manager Malcolm Vasey told his club's website: 'The meeting may be academic in one way but we want to build momentum ahead of the play-offs and it would be good to go there and pull off a result.

'We have ex-King's Lynn man James Cockle in improving form and NL Riders' Champion Ashley Birks is a match for anyone. Hopefully we will pick up a result at a track that does not always favour away clubs.'

Lynn still have two more home meetings to come after this evening – against Rye House next Wednesday and Buxton the week after. Gates open at 6.30pm. Racing starts at 7.45pm.

King's Lynn: Darren Mallett, Tom Stokes, Jake Knight, Scott Campos, Lewis Kerr, Lewis Rose, Brendan Johnson

Stoke: Ashley Birks, Liam Carr, James Cockle, Ben Reade, Tony Atkin, Liam Rumsey, Lee Geary