GREAT Britain team manager Alun Rossiter won’t be shocked if some of the ‘smaller nations’ spring a surprise or two at this year’s FIM Speedway of Nations.

After reaching the final of the Speedway World Cup in three out of the past four seasons, Rossiter hopes his nation can continue their improved international form.

But he admits earning a medal in this year’s revamped competition won’t be easy as others may presume.

Great Britain will face Sweden, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Australia and Finland in Race-Off Two at Belle Vue on June 5.

The top three from each race-off – the first one taking place in Germany – will join Poland in a two-day final at Wroclaw’s Olympic Stadium on June 8.

The Swindon Robins boss said: “The competition will be tough.

“It’s a big wide open circuit at Belle Vue, so there won’t be any particular home advantage for us. It’s an easy track to ride, there are plenty of lines.

“I was a big fan of the World Cup, it was a good weekend and it brought people together.

“Great Britain enjoyed a good run too. More nations gives the competition a bit more variety, I think that’s why it’s been done instead of seeing the same teams each year.

“Last year we took part in the World Games which saw smaller nations compete.

“It may not sound right having these other nations involved but there are names in those teams that will go out and win races, it will be interesting.”

In recent years, Rossiter has faced a selection headache with a number of promising young British riders breaking into the national team.

Stevie Worrall performed beyond expectation at last year’s World Cup while Craig Cook also threw his hat into the selection pot after scooping a spot in this year’s Grand Prix series.

The usual suspects of Chris Harris and Danny King are likely to be in the mix while youngsters Robert Lambert, Josh Bates and Adam Ellis will also want to impress.

Rossiter said: “Stevie Worrall has stepped up to the mark and had a fantastic World Cup.

“Then there’s the likes of Robert Lambert who’s still only 19, and we’ll have to track an U21 rider at this year’s event.

“It’s a plus having lots of riders. In years before the team has picked itself but riders can’t be so sure now.”