Bratley backs Schlein to perform

Peterborough Panthers promoter Mick Bratley has backed Rory Schlein to provide excellent cover for Ryan Sullivan in the relegation play-offs.

Panthers captain Sullivan has dropped out of the two Elite League meetings against Wolverhampton to focus on his commitments in Poland.

Ipswich rider Schlein has stepped in as cover and Bratley said: "He's a track specialist at Wolverhampton.

"And I think we'll have far too much in the home leg at Alwalton."

Bratley added: "Ryan has not been great at Wolverhampton for a good few years and even when he was at his best he was not necessarily fantastic there."

Bratley insisted Sullivan's absence would not dent their survival hopes in the Elite League.

He said: "If we put Schlein and Sullivan together in the meetings that Ryan's competed in this year, then I would say that Schlein would come out on top as the better, in-form rider."