Timo Lahti has admitted he could have joined opening night opponents Birmingham.

The Finn was in talks with the Brummies when he was told he had missed out on an Eastbourne team place.

But it came to nothing and he rides against them at Arlington tomorrow (7.30pm) after being called in to replace injured Kim Nilsson.

Lahti said: “We had a few talks (with Birmingham) but then they got some other riders.

“I want to score big points now for Eastbourne and make it hard for them to take me out during the summer.”

Eagles boss Trevor Geer admits there can be no slips-ups at Arlington.

He said: “I will make it crystal clear to our lads that we are out to win the league this year and go on to take the title in the play-offs.

“The first step to doing that is by winning your home meetings and taking three points every time.”

Brummies' meeting at Coventry tonight has been called off.