Darcy Ward is being flown back to England for further treatment after a slight improvement in his condition.

The stricken star was left with no feeling in his lower body and underwent spinal surgery following a horror crash in Poland on Sunday. The Australian's Polish club Zielona Gora yesterday confirmed that the 23-year-old is completing a return to the UK this morning – although the exact nature of his serious injuries still remain a mystery.

Gora doctor Robert Zapotoczny said: 'First of all, I spoke to Darcy on Tuesday and his closest family too – I mean his father, who arrived on Tuesday.

'His father (George Ward) gave no permission to reveal any specific information. The condition of Darcy is better than on Monday. His mental condition especially is better and he doesn't need so much pain relief right now. (Poole team riders) Davey Watt and Chris Holder are constantly by his side to support him, so Darcy is even able to smile sometimes.'

The Poole Pirates' asset – who currently competes in England for Elite League Swindon Robins – rode for King's Lynn Stars in 2009 and is seen as one of the best racers on the planet.

'The case is difficult, but there is a glimmer of hope,' said Zapotoczny on the condition of the man who underwent a two-and-a-half hour operation.

'Hope you cannot take from anybody. Now Darcy faces a very, very intensive process of rehabilitation; psychologically and physically.'

Family and friends will be ably to rally round Ward if, as expected, he is taken back to his British base in Dorset.

The Gora medic added: 'It will be better to conduct this in an English-speaking country.

'England was chosen as a place of further treatment because we came to the conclusion that psychological rehabilitation will be the most important thing at the moment.'