David Norris relished an Eastbourne Eagles comeback against old foes Poole and said: “I would love to beat them.”

Norris races for the Eagles for the first time in almost two years as they host the Pirates in the first leg of the Elite Shield tomorrow (3.30pm).

Eagles’ record points scorer has returned from injury-enforced retirement and scored a heat-one win in his comeback at the Dean Barker Farewell last Sunday.

Tomorrow, though, is the real thing.

The 37-year-old fans’ favourite said: “I think I’ve had a pretty good start.

“I kept waiting for the butterflies to kick in last week but it never happened.

“The buzz after the meeting was a million times better than I expected. That’s why I’m doing it.”

The season’s preview edition of Speedway Star magazine has Eagles earmarked to finish bottom of the Elite League this year but Norris is not worried about that.

He said: “Everyone is dismissing us so there’s no pressure.

“We don’t have any stand-out superstar which I suppose excuses people putting us near the bottom but have a look at our depth.

“We don’t want too much pressure anyway so it plays into our hands.

“This Sunday will be extremely tough but it’s the same scenario.

“Poole have got to win because we are rated so low but I would love to beat them.”

Eagles manager Trevor Geer has already revealed the riding order he will hope to stick with in the opening weeks of the season.

He has partnered skipper Davey Watt with Cameron Woodward while Lewis Bridger goes with new boy Lukas Dryml.

Managers can place riders numbered two to five in any order they like this year.

Geer said: “I’m looking at striking up good partnerships rather than who goes out against who in which race.”

Eagles: Watt, Woodward, Bridger, Dryml, Norris, Kling, Gustafsson.

Poole: Pedersen, Doyle r/r, Screen, Davidsson, Holder, Stonehewer, Legault.