SWINDON Robins team manager Alun Rossiter says skipper Jason Doyle deserves his place in next year’s Speedway Grand Prix series and has backed his man to earn qualification outright instead of relying on a wildcard.

With just one round of the 2019 world championship to go, Australian ace Doyle sits ninth in the standings, with only the top eight finishers on the leaderboard guaranteed a place in next year’s competition.

The 33-year-old has collected 73 points from nine rounds so far this season, but both Slovenia’s Matej Zagar (74) and Polish rider Patryk Dudek (75) are within touching distance.

Doyle made just his second Grand Final at an SGP round this season at the British Grand Prix in Cardiff over the weekend, finishing fourth with a season’s best haul of 13 points.

The final round takes place on October 5 and is staged at the home of Doyle’s Polish club, Torun.

Rossiter says the 2017 world champion more than warrants a place in the 2020 competition – but has backed Doyle to make certain of his qualification anyway.

“I thought Jason looked really good in Cardiff,” said Rossiter, after watching his club captain finish fourth in the final.

“He looked comfortable and it was just unfortunate that he had the worst gate in the final.

“It was like a graveyard as the line for gate three is where everybody comes out of the third and fourth bends and starts turning in.

“It made it a bit difficult. Whoever got last pick was going to end up there and not stand much of chance, to be honest.

“But, overall, it was certainly a big step forward for him.

“He is one point off eighth place and two points behind seventh. If he doesn’t get into the top eight, he deserves a wildcard, in my opinion.

“Over the years, they have given riders more than a few chances.

“He is certainly deserving of one but knowing him as I do, he will want to do it on his own on merit.

“He is going back to his home track and I am sure he will be feeling confident knowing he is capable of getting into the top eight.”

Rossiter was amongst the many thousand spectators watching the action at the Principality Stadium over the weekend.

The Robins – and former Great Britain – boss was delighted to see another memorable event showcased in front of the passionate UK fans.

“I think the bends were a bit flatter this year. Normally they bank them up, so it made overtaking a bit more difficult,” said Rossiter.

“But it is always a good spectacle and great to catch up with everybody. It is a fantastic weekend.”