PIRATES skipper Gary Havelock has given best mate Joe Screen his full backing following the Eastbourne rider's appointment as the new England and Team Great Britain captain.

The Poole Meridian Lifts rider had skippered Great Britain in last year's World Cup in place of Chris Louis, who had been injured at the time.

Many people expected that Havvy - as he is known in the speedway world - would probably be national team manager Neil Middleditch's choice of leader again this term.

But Middleditch, who is also Pirates' team boss, has plumped for Screen this time.

And Havvy couldn't be more pleased about handing over the skipper's baton to the guy who was best man at his wedding.

Havelock, who has also been included in the England team that hosts Sweden at Poole next month, said: "Believe it or not, Neil discussed the captaincy situation with me before confirming the appointment.

"Neil and I discussed it a few times and I believe it is the right decision. Joe has my full backing. I think it is a great idea to appoint him and I think he will do a great job.

"Joe and I have been friends for a long time. I enjoy being England captain but standing down gives me a chance to concentrate on my own racing.

"I haven't spoken to Joe since he was appointed. But Joe has been through a lot in the past couple of years with injuries and this is his reward for coming through it.

"It is good to have experience in the team and Joe is certainly experienced. He is also captain at Eastbourne this year, so he knows what the job is about.

"They are top of the Elite League. He is doing a great job for the Eagles. I am really pleased for him. It is a great honour for him to have.

"I know that Joe will do a good job as captain, but if he ever feels he needs any advice, he only has to ask and I will be there for him."

Middleditch said: "Joe is having a really good season this year and I believe he is the right man for the skipper's job at the moment.

"Gary was very supportive of Joe getting the job and all the other riders are behind the decision as well.

"Joe may lift his game a bit now he is wearing the skipper's armband. It is an honour to be made captain of your country and he is very pleased to get it.

"He is coming back from a very serious injury and thoroughly deserves his appointment. He and Havvy are two of the most passionate people when it comes to riding for England.

"That is what I want. I have no doubt they will both do a great job."

England entertain Sweden in a one-off Test match at Wimborne Road on Wednesday, June 12 and the international is ideal preparation for the World Cup being staged in this country in August.

The rest of the England team is Mark Loram (Eastbourne), Scott Nicholls (Ipswich), Lee Richardson (Coventry), Carl Stonehewer (Workington) and Paul Hurry (Wolves).

Sweden line up with Tony Rickardsson (Poole), Andreas Jonsson (Coventry), Mikael Karlsson (Wolves), Peter Karlsson (Wolves), Niklas Klingberg (Unattached but a King's Lynn asset), Stefan Andersson (Eastbourne), Freddie Eriksson (King's Lynn).

There is no place in Sweden manager Tony Olsson's side for Pirates' Magnus Zetterstrom, somewhat surprisingly.

But Zorro - as he is known - would be an ideal replacement if the Swedes picked up any injuries between now and June 12.