PIRATES chief Matt Ford has admitted it is a gamble for Ryan Sullivan to line up against Swindon tonight. (Oct 6)

But the Wimborne Road supremo believes the Aussie ace is the best judge to tell if he is fit enough to ride against the Robins at home (7.30pm).

Poole RIAS host Swindon in the first leg of the BSPA Knockout Cup semi-final and travel to Blunsdon for the return tomorrow.

Sullivan missed Pirates' 49-41 win at Wolves in the Elite League title play-off final, first leg, after taking a knock to his left hand in the Norwegian Grand Prix on Saturday.

Ford, as exclusively revealed on the Echo website yesterday, said: "Ryan feels his fingers and hand can take the strain.

"This is Ryan's decision solely and I know how desperate he is to be part of our run-in towards the end of the season.

"I am not concerned about Ryan's fitness because he should know better than anyone if he is up to the task.

"So he will be welcomed back into the team tomorrow and hopefully prove his fitness in the next 48 hours."

If Sullivan comes through both meetings successfully, he would then line up against Wolves in the title play-off final, second leg, on Monday when 6,000 are expected at Poole Stadium.