PETER Kildemand will stand in for Swindon skipper Troy Batchelor if the visa issue affecting British speedway rumbles on into the start of the 2015 season.

The Robins have come up with a plan B should the problems surrounding visas for non-EU riders, including Batchelor, not be sorted out before the opening fixtures

Swindon remain confident of having Batchelor in their team on schedule - a provisional first league date is March 28 at Leicester before the Good Friday home and away double against reigning Elite League champions Poole.

However, team boss Alun Rossiter has reached agreement with former Robins favourite Peter Kildemand – who is taking a year out of the Elite League this year – to stand in if required.

Rossiter said: “We believe this matter is going to get sorted, but we had to get a Plan B in place just in case there are any further hiccups.

“I spoke to Peter and there will be no problem whatsoever with him standing in for us, and he is more than happy to help us out for however long.

“As I say, I think it’s highly unlikely especially as we’re not racing in the Elite League until April, we’re confident Troy will be here but we needed to know we had cover arranged.”