King's Lynn Stars captain Rory Schlein would have no hesitation in handing Lewis Kerr a dream Great Britain debut at this month's World Cup.
New GB boss Alun Rossiter looks likely to name his four-man team for event one at Lynn's Norfolk Arena on Saturday, July 26 at some point today. And while 'Rosco' is said to have already made his mind up, Schlein insists if he was the man in charge, Kerr wouldn't be one of the six riders who will miss out.
The Aussie, talking on the EDP's latest West Norfolk Sports Podcast, said: 'I know last year Richie Worrall was knocking on the door. I know they're all about development and wanting to push the young guys so I'd throw Lewis Kerr in there.
'Lewis is one for the future. He's going to have loads of confidence going into it. Ok, it's a big event. But to be honest I'd look at Australia being on the weaker side at the minute with the recent injuries to Davey Watt and Chris Holder, who is going to be struggling to make the World Cup I believe. So I would risk it.
'And not only that. On his day, I'd put Lewis in the top 10 of the best gaters in the world.'
Kerr is one of 10 riders picked in Rossiter's initial squad who will be hoping to feature against Australia, USA and Italy at Saddlebow Road in just under a fortnight. World champion, and current 2014 Grand Prix leader, Tai Woffinden is, barring injury, a cert, as is GP compatriot Chris Harris.
But any one of Kerr, Worrall, Danny King, Craig Cook, Simon Stead, Richard Lawson, Ben Barker and Lewis Bridger may fancy their chances of sneaking a place in GB's side for the showcase event which attracts around 5,000 speedway fans to Lynn.
Rossiter got the chance to see what Cook could do on the biggest stage at the weekend when he rode in the British Grand Prix as a wildcard. However, he only scored two while Harris himself picked up six – compared to Woffinden's huge haul of 18. Britain's captain finished behind world championship rival Greg Hancock in the final but still has a three point lead after seven rounds over 44-year-old hero Hancock, also expected to appear in the World Cup meet in Norfolk.
Lynn's Niels-Kristian Iversen reached the semis at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium on his way to another decent return of 12. The Dane is 16 points behind Woffinden, 13 off Hancock, and one behind third-placed former Star Darcy Ward. Iversen's team-mate Kenneth Bjerre collected just four points on the night.
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