SWINDON Robins have drafted in Australian ace Brady Kurtz for Friday's Knockout Cup semi final second leg tie at Belle Vue in the absence of skipper Jason Doyle.

The Poole Pirates number one will stand in for his compatriot, with Doyle away in Sweden preparing for the Stockholm round of the individual World Championship, which he currently leads by 10 points.

The Robins hold a decent 11-point lead in the semi final courtesy of their 50-39 triumph at the Abbey Stadium just under a week ago but they faced being without nearly half of their regular side at the National Speedway Stadium.

Kiwi ace Bradley Wilson-Dean, whose absence from the play-off semi final first leg at Poole last week caused so much controversy, is again absent, riding for Championship side Peterborough in their Championship KO Cup tie at Scunthorpe.

Swedish star Tomas H Jonasson, who rode for Swindon back in 2010, is poised to fly in from his homeland to race at reserve for Alun Rossiter’s side in place of Wilson-Dean.

Liam Carr, who rides in the National League for Birmingham Brummies, fills the other reserve slot due to the long-term injury absence of Zach Wajtknecht.

Swindon team boss Rossiter, whose side are still in contention for a domestic league and cup double, admitted: “It’s not ideal missing the boys, how do you replace the best rider in the world?

“But Brady is a good rider and he likes the Belle Vue track – I think everyone does.

“Jonasson has agreed to join us to replace Bradley at reserve and we thank the guys for helping us out.

"We hope we can make good use of the 11-point lead and make it through to a cup final.”

BELLE VUE: Kenneth Bjerre, Steve Worrall, Max Fricke, Rohan Tungate, Craig Cook, Dan Bewley, Jack Smith (TBC).

SWINDON: Brady Kurtz, Adam Ellis, Tobiasz Musielak, David Bellego, Nick Morris, Tomas H Jonasson, Liam Carr.

Meanwhile, special admission prices will be in operation for the second leg of the play-off semi final against Poole on Monday evening.

Swindon lead the tie by two points after victory on the south coast last week and are hoping for a packed Abbey Stadium for the return.

Club chiefs have slashed admission to £10 for adults and concessions, as well as £5 for juniors (11-16) while U11s can watch the action for free.

Season ticket holders can use their vouchers for the meeting and tickets can be purchased from the club website swindonrobins.co or on the night.