ALUN Rossiter is delighted to see Scott Nicholls make himself available to race for Great Britain again, although has not promised him an automatic spot in the team.

Belle Vue Aces captain Nicholls has been absent from the national side for the last three years but the seven-times British Champion has declared himself free for selection this season after positive talks with GB boss Rossiter and other members of the sport’s top brass.

Great Britain have been seeded direct to the 2016 World Cup Final, which takes place on July 30 at Nicholls’ home track of the new National Speedway Stadium in Manchester, and Rossiter wants to have as strong a team as possible at that event.

“What’s happened in the past really doesn’t interest me too much – my priority is to have the strongest-possible squad to choose from for the World Cup Final, which is a massive event for us,” said Rossiter, who is also team manager of Swindon Robins.

“Clearly having Scott in the frame gives us another quality option, and there won’t be anyone else with more experience of the new circuit by the time the meeting comes around.

“Scott knows this isn’t a guarantee of selection for the team – we’re a long way away from the event, and I’ll be monitoring everyone’s form closely before making that decision.

“But it’s definitely a boost for us and it will also keep all of the other boys on their toes with some good competition for places.”

Nicholls says his previous decision to make himself unavailable for Great Britain was due to disagreements with the way the sport is run, many of which have now been resolved.

“It’s no secret that in the past I was a little disillusioned with the way things were going, and my own personal issues were well documented at the time,” said Nicholls.

“I feel that having Buster (Chapman) in charge as BSPA chairman is a very constructive move. He’s a very strong character and also a stubborn person – but he will listen, and I truly believe he’s got the interests of the sport at heart.

“For me it’s not just about trying to achieve a gold medal right now, although that would be lovely to do, and this season is our best chance for a number of years.

“But it’s also about the future. I’m pleased with what they’re trying to do and the people who they have on board, and I feel the future looks much more positive.

“I’ve always said I’d like to offer my services with any help if they felt it would be of any benefit, I would like to help the younger lads come through and really put British Speedway back on the map where it should be.

“I’ve had a good chat with Rosco and I’m not taking it as a given that I’m just going to be picked for the World Cup Final, because that will be a case of who’s performing at the time.

“I’m confident that I will be doing a good enough job to be in there, but if I’m not then I’ll be wishing all the boys success and be cheering them on to win.”