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He's back: Theo Pijper returns from injury tonight

FIT-again Theo Pijper is targeting a winning return to speedway action at Eastbourne tonight after five frustrating weeks on the treatment table.

Pijper has not featured for the Robins since suffering a fractured shoulder in the Craven Shield win over Poole Pirates on March 27, and the Swindon reserve is relishing his comeback.

The 28-year-old has been practising in his native Holland ahead of tonight's meeting at Arlington Stadium, where he hopes to contribute to a third successive away victory.

Pijper said: "It's exciting to come back to a winning team because everyone said we would be bottom of the table.

"I had a full day practice session last Saturday and I felt good, so I phoned Rosco and said I wanted to come back.

"The boys have been helping me out with my set-ups, so hopefully I can help out and get us another away win."

Robins boss Alun Rossiter admits Pijper could find the going tough after more than a month out, but he hopes his flying Dutchman can soon settle back into his slide.

Rosco said: "It's going to be very difficult for him. Eastbourne is a difficult place to ride anyway, and he's been away for five weeks.

"It's nice to have him back for an away meeting though because there's no pressure on him. Hopefully he can find form ahead of Monday's meeting at Poole."

Pijper himself is confident he can make a point-scoring return to action.

He said:"I got some ultra sound a couple of times at Swindon Town and it really helped. Now my thumb only bends halfway back too, so it's obviously getting better!

"Normally this sort of injury would take a couple of weeks longer to heal, but I feel confident about coming back."

8:26am Saturday 3rd May 2008

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