Lyons eager for return to action

Jason Lyons is praying for a dry night of action at Perry Barr

Rain-hit Birmingham skipper Jason Lyons is itching to return to action after three abandonments at Perry Barr.

The Brummies hope to end a frustrating period of wet weather when they host Newcastle on Wednesday night.

"It's been an unbelievable run," said Lyons. "But hopefully the summer will kick in from here.

"We had a bad result at Stoke on Saturday and Graham Drury, our boss, was disappointed with that. This is our chance to put that right."

Birmingham will use rider replacement to cover for the injured Phil Morris against the Diamonds.

There is better news of one of the Brummies' other injured riders, James Birkinshaw, who has started his comeback from a broken collarbone.

He is expected to get back on his bike this week and will return to the line-up once he proves his fitness.

"James is desperate to get back into action," said team boss Drury. "He's determined to be a success with Birmingham and he hasn't really had the chance to prove himself as yet."