CARL Wilkinson, back with his parent club Newport this speedway season, has been given the seal of approval by Premier League champions Rye House boss Len Silver.

And Silver should know a good 'un or two when he sees them. He's been around the sport as a rider and promoter for probably more years than he cares to remember.

The 74-year-old Silver, highly respected in the sport, is a former England team manager and has been promoting since 1964.

Boston-based Wilkinson has already made his mark in a stop-start beginning to the new season, hitting double figures in the Premier Trophy meeting at King's Lynn a week go, but, with the Everest Group Wasps' fans, looking to overturn an eight-point deficit at the Hayley Stadium, the rain took a hand and it was a sad, soggy Sunday.

Wilkinson, when he guested for his parent club last summer, was impressive and he could be a key figure as the Wasps bid to rid themselves of the Cinderella tag.

Silver, assessing the prospects of each club for the forthcoming season in Speedway Star, said: "The big unknown is Carl Wilkinson. He looks a world beater on occasions and if he can come up with something then Newport could become that exciting side I'd like to see.

"He's got to be a proper heat leader, he's got to go and get eight or nine points everywhere and so far he's never done that. If he does, and he's capable of it, they will be a good side but if he rides anywhere near his average, which is around six points, then they are not going to do it."

Wilkinson has responded perfectly to Silver's eight-point demands with a paid nine in the home win over the Isle of Wight and a dozen at King's Lynn, which did include double points in a tactical heat win.

But it can't be a one-man show. And Chris Schramm, also making a return, along with reserve arrival Joel Parsons make it a key trio and all will be out to prove the point when Mildenhall are the visitors on Sunday for a Premier Trophy clash (tapes-up 2.30pm).

l Welshman Phil Morris made a stunning start with Elite League club Belle Vue, hitting double figures from a reserve berth in a 48-42 win over visitors Eastbourne, scoring a paid 12 on his home debut which included three heat wins.

And Morris, who lives in Cwmfelinfach, is still feeling the effects of a shoulder dislocation which he suffered in New Zealand earlier this year.

Morris said: "I was happy with a four paid six at Coventry in the Elite Shield but I was delighted with 12 points. I'm new to the team and I've got a point to prove, but I feel I've done that so far."