Ashworth initially suffered the injury a fortnight ago while guesting for Belle Vue in an Elite League match at Eastbourne, when he was pole-axed by Swede Simon Gustaffson in his first ride.

After a week of physio, he was declared fit to race last Thursday against Scunthorpe and bagged nine points despite clearly being uncomfortable.

But Ashworth was again in the wars when he rode in Sunday's Welsh Open at Newport, coming to grief twice.

He's again spent the week recuperating, but according to co-promoter David Hoggart will be fit to face the Brummies in a must-win match for the Owlerton side.

"We didn't really want him to ride at Newport but he felt it would be a good workout," he said.

"Unfortunately he crashed twice and he's very sore, but he wants to ride against Birmingham and we do need his scoring power."

Tigers will look to make it three league wins on the bounce.

The Midlanders, spearheaded by veteran Aussie Jason Lyons and in-form Pole Tomas Piszcz, won at Owlerton last year and have free-scoring Richard Sweetman at reserve.

Start time is 7.45pm.

SHEFFIELD: R. Ashworth, H. Skidmore, J. Parsons, R. Hall, J. Auty, C. Mills, P. Cooper.

BIRMINGHAM: T. Piszcz,M. Hauzinger, R. Ksiezak, L. Lindgren, J. Lyons, L. Priest, R. Sweetman.

Got a view? Add your comment below.

FREE E-MAG: Click here to read our Twenty20 Cup 2009 e-mag for FREE on line.

BUY ONLINE: Buy The Star - Monday to Saturday - for local news, sport, features and ads. Sign up on line by clicking here.

READ MORE
Football headlines.
Football gossip.
Blades news
Owls news
Reds news.
Millers news.
More rugby.
More boxing.
Sports columnists.
All sport categories