GREAT Britain boss Alun Rossiter says there is no point bleating about Tai Woffinden’s absence from the national team and has urged his new squad to take the opportunity to make a name for themselves in this year’s World Cup.

Two-time world champion Woffinden was at his brilliant best in the competition last year, scoring 19 points in the World Cup final as Great Britain won a memorable silver medal on home soil.

However, Rossiter will not be able to call on his services this year as the 26-year-old has made himself unavailable for selection.

Rossiter has named a 10-strong squad for this year’s tournament, which starts when GB compete in World Cup Event One at King’s Lynn on July 1, with the Swindon Robins team manager stating that Woffinden’s absence gives someone else the chance to shine.

“We can’t keep worrying about what we haven’t got. We haven’t got Tai so we have to move on and it’s thrown the gauntlet down to the others now to raise their game,” said Rossiter.

“We all know what points Tai brought to the squad and how good he is. He has chosen not to do it and we have to respect that. We can’t keep going on about it, it’s done and dusted.

“Now there is the potential for other riders to become stars. It’s a chance for other people to step up and make a name for themselves.”

If Great Britain are to fight for a place on the World Cup podium again, firstly they must negotiate their qualifier at King’s Lynn early next month, which has pitted them against a strong Australian team.

Czech Republic and the USA will complete the line-up, with the event winners qualifying for the World Cup final in Poland on July 8 and the second and third-placed teams progressing to a Race Off a day earlier.

Rossiter knows all about the Aussies’ strength as they boast two Swindon riders in their squad in Jason Doyle and Nick Morris, while team members Chris Holder and Troy Batchelor will be no stranger to the Adrian Flux Arena track as it is the home venue of their British club, King’s Lynn Stars.

GB were able to get the better of Australia in last year’s World Cup as Mark Lemon’s men finished fourth in the final, although Rossiter knows that they will provide stern opposition.

“It is a difficult draw but it was a difficult one when we beat them the last time around so nothing is impossible,” said Rossiter.

“I would say that over them, we have got no home track advantage. They have all ridden it enough times.

“They have got a wealth of experience with Jason and Chris Holder but even in their youngsters, with the likes of Nick, Max Fricke and Sam Masters.

“It’s going to be tough and we’re going to have to step up our game if we are to qualify straight through to the final.”