ALUN Rossiter understands Tai Woffinden’s decision not to ride in the British Championships this year and says it will have no impact on his selection for the Great Britain team.

The defending world champion has decided not to go for a fourth straight British title at Belle Vue’s National Stadium in June in order to focus on going for a third world title.

However, Great Britain boss Rossiter is adamant the decision will have no impact on his selection for the Speedway World Cup in July.

“At the end of the day, I am in the job to make big decisions and I don’t think it is a big decision,” Rossiter said.

“Tai has made his decision not to do the British Championship this year and that is his decision.

“He is the world champion and is the best rider we have got, and at the end of the day, I don’t see Roy Hodgson (England football manager) justifying his selection on players and I am certainly not going to drop somebody who is our best rider.

“It would be nice if Tai was in the British Final. I do get the frustration, but I very much see his point of view as well, and, as I say, I’d be mad not to pick him with what he brings to the track and the team. The captain’s got my backing.”

With Great Britain getting a bye into the final of the World Cup in Manchester as hosts, Rossiter believes it is the country’s best chance to gain a podium spot and sees Woffinden playing a key part in that.

“He is riding in the World Cup,” he added.

“I was in Poland with him last weekend and he made it clear that he would be ready to ride in the World Cup.

“Until we start doing test matches and stuff like that, that is all I have got to gear myself up for.

“I have got to put out my best team. It is our best chance at getting a medal this year on home soil.

“It is not going to be easy but we have a good chance because one of the top teams will go out in the qualifying rounds.

“I have got to make sure I put out the best team possible and that includes Tai.”