Lewis Bridger has finally come across a meeting which has got him worried.

But the seemingly fearless 16-year-old is not fretting over Elite League action.

It is the prospect of facing his fellow youngsters which has brought the nerves on.

The Eastbourne Eagles ace, who has raced against Jason Crump and led world champion Tony Rickardsson for three laps in recent weeks, tackles the re-arranged British Under-21s Championship at Kings Lynn tonight.

Rivals will include former Eagle Edward Kennett and Wolves reserve William Lawson, who beat Bridger in heat two when the rival clubs met at Monmore Green last week.

Bridger said: "To be honest, this one is more worrying than an Elite League meeting when I'm not expected to do anything.

"Now everyone is going to expect me to win it. A few riders have got a chance of beating me. But they are all 19, 20 or 21 and I'm only 16 so I've got a few years on my side.

"I'd like to think I've got a good chance of winning it this time."

The meeting was originally called off due to rain two weeks ago. Eagles promoter Jon Cook reckons Bridger could take the title and sees Kennett and Ipswich reserve Daniel King, who turns 20 in August, as his main rivals.

Cook said: "Lewis has every chance of winning it.

"I would place him as third favourite but it will be a fantastic experience for him and he is under no pressure."

Bridger will be partnered at reserve by Cameron Woodward in Eagles' home Elite League meeting with champions Coventry next Monday.

The Aussie landed in England this morning after finally securing a work permit and is likely to ride in three meetings as Eagles await the return of Brent Werner from a broken collarbone.

Nicki Pedersen, currently recovering from an operation to his wrists and lower arms, is almost certain to ride against the Bees after sending the text message which made Cook's day.

The Eagles' chief said: "I told Nicki about our defeat to Swindon last Saturday and he texted me back to say he had seen the result and not to worry because he will be back on Monday.

"That's what we need to know. There would be no suitable guest replacement for Nicki next Monday."

Pedersen's return to the lineup is conditional only on him not suffering an injury in Saturday's European Grand Prix in Wroclaw, Poland, where he makes his comeback after a two-week lay-off.

Eagles are not the only team suffering in Pedersen's absence.

His new Swedish club Bajen crashed 57-39 at home to Piraterna last night as top-flight league speedway returned to Stockholm after an absence of more than ten years.

Former Eagle Mark Loram had a paid 12 from five rides for Piraterna.