Eastbourne Eagles want wayward young star Lewis Bridger to get back on track in the Premier League.

Co-promoter Martin Hagon reckons the 18-year-old rider will benefit from a few tough weeks looking to score points in the demanding second tier of British speedway after his fall out with the Arlington club.

Hagon ordered Bridger out of the pits during Saturday’s 49-41 home defeat by Ipswich.

He was angered by his rider’s performance and the way he exchanged gestures with away fans after failing to score in his last ride.

Eagles are now attempting to finalise a loan deal in the Premier League for Bridger while retaining him as a club asset.

It has emerged Bridger was out until the early hours of Saturday morning and missed the team’s track walk before the Ipswich meeting.

Hagon said: “I don’t think it would be a bad idea for Lewis to drop into the Premier League.

“He might realise how fortunate he is. I don’t think he appreciates the situation he is in as a speedway rider or the help that his mechanic David Mason gives him.

“This would be a short term step backwards to go forwards.”

Eagles hope to announce a new signing, likely to be from overseas, this week to fill the gap left by the exciting but under-performing Bexhill racer.

Although the Sussex club are virtually out of the play-off race, Hagon said: “This is not just a move for the next few weeks.

“We are thinking about the future. Maybe this is the shock Lewis needs.

“It has now been confirmed to me he did not get in until 7am on Saturday morning.

“He also missed the team track walk. He did not get there until we were walking back into the pits.”