ALUN Rossiter has backed new reserve pair Steve Worrall and Josh Bates to make huge strides after drafting the pair for next season.

Rossiter and his fellow promoter Pete Toogood picked the pair at yesterday’s draft at BSPA headquarters in Rugby, and the duo will now line-up at reserve for the Robins as part of rules introduced to help the next generation of British talent.

Worrall, twin brother of Belle Vue rider Richie, broke his leg midway through 2012 but returned to ride for Newcastle and Redcar in the Premier League last season and was the Robins’ first-round pick.

Bates, 17, was picked up by the Robins in round two having raced with Scunthorpe in the second tier last season and represented Mildenhall at National League level.

Despite picking towards the end of round one, Swindon boss Rossiter was pleased with the two riders he was able to sign and has backed them both to make big improvements when they make the jump up to Elite League level for 2014.

“I’m pleased with what we got because there is plenty of improvement there,” he said.

“When Worrall jumped on his brother’s engines towards the end of last season he started going really well, and after he had the broken leg the year before he is now starting to come back really good.

“The people I have spoken to, who know the National League a bit better than I do, have told me they are a good little pair.

“Josh is a bit younger and has bags of potential and was a rider I was recommended, and the more people I spoke to the more who told me he’s going to be a cracking little rider.

“For our two the only way is up, although some of the riders will stagnate I think, but they all have a really good opportunity to improve and move on and improve in their careers.”

Swindon-based Ben Reade was picked up by Belle Vue but Purton’s Darryl Ritchings went undrafted and will begin the season as a reserve available to all clubs in the event of injury.