ALUN Rossiter has insisted a positive frame of mind is vital as his side bid to continue their play-off push at Belle Vue this evening.

The Aces sit second bottom in the Elite League table, following Birmingham’s resignation from the league, but possess a dangerous team including the likes of Matej Zagar, Craig Cook, Scott Nicholls and Richie Worrall.

With the Kirkmanhulme Lane track far from a favourite with many Elite League riders, Rossiter knows tonight’s match will be far from easy but is boosted by the fact Peter Kildemand will arrive back from Russia in time to take his place at the head of his team.

“It’s going to be tough because they are always good on their own patch, but we have to go up there in a positive frame of mind,” he said.

“Peter is flying in just in time which is important for us because he’s our number one and a very good rider, and there’s certainly more to come from him at the moment.

“This is an important match for us, they all are, so we need to keep our momentum going and carry on pushing for the play-offs.”

The Aces include Craig Cook in their side this evening, who Rossiter left out of his team for the World Cup despite many expecting him to be included, with the GB boss expecting the rider to be out to prove him wrong tonight.

“He’ll be up for it I’m sure but it’s no good him just being up for it around Belle Vue, he needs to be showing me something everywhere and he’s not in the right frame of mind.

“I need to do what’s right for the team and that means making big decisions.

“My mind is kind of half on the World Cup at the moment, although the Robins is my priority, but after this meeting I can start to think about it properly.”

Rossiter knows he will have to boost the confidence of teenage reserve Nathan Greaves this evening, after the 16-year-old’s difficult evening against Leicester on Thursday which saw him crash in the final corner while leading heat two before sliding off in his second outing.

“Nathan lost his concentration in his first ride and he needs to stop that because it’s so important,” he said. “He has an awful lot to learn but he’s only a kid and we will help him in every way we possibly can.

“It’s hard for them, so hard, and I don’t really believe this is the right place for riders as young as him. He shouldn’t be feeling so down and frustrated at 16, he should be feeling the moment and enjoying everything.”