SWINDON Robins team boss Alun Rossiter has admitted that it is going to be difficult to get his side in the right frame of mind for tonight’s trip to King’s Lynn Stars.

With four Australian riders in the team travelling to Norfolk, it is understandable that the side would have been rocked by the accident to number one rider Darcy Ward on Sunday.

However, Rossiter is hoping that his troops can put thoughts of Ward to the back of their mind momentarily for what will be an important meeting with fellow play-off rivals King’s Lynn at the Adrian Flux Arena.

Swindon sit level on points with tonight’s opponents, with only points difference separating the Robins in third and the Stars in fourth.

While Rossiter and his team will be thinking about Ward, he knows that they must also get the business done.

“We’re all just absolutely gutted for Ward at the moment,” he said.

“It is a horrible thing but I need to get some motivation, “Whilst some people would be happy if the season stopped now, we need to carry on really at the end of the day.

“It’s tricky all round in whatever I say and whatever I do at the moment because it is a horrible situation we are in.

“I have to be mindful that I have four Australians in my team that are all pretty close to him.

“The whole thing is tricky, but I would like to think that the boys will get back on and do their thing.”

Swindon will be bringing in Coventry Bees captain Chris Harris to replace Ward, who remains in hospital in Poland.

Harris is no stranger to guesting for Swindon this season, having helped the Robins to a 14-point win over Wolverhampton Wolves at Monmore Green earlier this month.

He scored 11 points that evening for Swindon and Rossiter has no doubt that, despite riding for play-off rivals Coventry, the Brit will give his all for Swindon tonight.

“Whatever happens, we know that with Chris we will get 100 per cent effort,” added Rossiter.

“Our options are very limited but I am confident that Bomber will come in and do a great job for us.

“Originally, we had high hopes for King’s Lynn, with the way that Darcy was going and the rest of the team were going.

“Hopefully, the boys react but it is going to be tricky.

“I am hoping they will raise their game and do their best for him and the club.”

Meanwhile, the Robins’ rearranged meeting with Poole Pirates has been scheduled for Monday, September 7.

Rossiter’s side were due to travel to the south coast on Monday, however, wet weather and Ward’s injury combined to see that meeting cancelled.

The new fixture will start at Wimborne Road at 7.30pm.