NICK Morris says he is more than comfortable with the pressure of being a heat leader after being handed that responsibility for the Swindon Robins this season.

Morris had a stint as the Robins’ number three last season before relinquishing the role but will return to that position for the 2015 Elite League campaign.

The Australian ace says he now better understands what is required from him and wants Robins boss Alun Rossiter to back him for the full season.

“I put the pressure on myself, I don’t really worry too much what anyone else says,” said Morris.

“I want to get to the top and I want to keep improving. I’ve improved every year and last year I kind of slowed down a bit. I need to step it up a bit this year and make it happen.

“I started it last year (being a heat leader) but I didn’t manage to stay there the whole season. I had a good stint, though, and now I want to stay there this year.

“To do that I’ve got to be more consistent and be a better rider. We’ve worked hard and done everything we can, and now it’s all down to me and I’m sure I can do it.

“I’ve done it now so I know what it’s like. It’s not easy but I know I can do it. I’ll give it my best shot and try to stay there all year.”

Swindon get their season under way on Good Friday with a double header against reigning champions Poole Pirates, kicking things off at Wimborne Road before battle resumes at the Abbey Stadium.

Morris acknowledges the Robins face a tough start but reckons a double victory is not beyond the realms of possibility.

“They’ve always got a good team so we’ll go down there and try to surprise a few people,” said Morris.

“Getting a win there would be awesome and then we’ve got to come back here and try to do the same. It’s not going to be easy but with the team we’ve got I’m sure we can surprise a few people.

“It’s not a bad thing racing the best team in the league straight up. It’ll be a good benchmark to see how we’re going and then we’ve just got to kick on from there.”

Former Robins rider James Wright will guest in place of his brother Charles in Friday’s home fixture.

Reserve rider Charles will be in the Swindon camp for the away meeting against the Pirates but is riding for Somerset at home to Plymouth in the evening, with James, who rode for Swindon in 2008, being taken off the tier one guest list in his place.

Meanwhile, Swindon’s meeting at home to Coventry Bees has been moved and will now be shown live on Sky Sports. The clash had been due to take place at the Abbey Stadium on Thursday, June 4, but will now happen on Tuesday, May 26.