NEW Potter Richie Worrall believes Loomer Road is the ideal place to further develop his fledgling career.

The 20-year-old prodigy switched to speedway after a successful moto-cross career ... and went on to land the National League title with Scunthorpe/Sheffield in his first full season in the sport.

He has spent many hours of practice on the Loomer Road track, and is confident joining Stoke will help his career go from strength to strength.

"I pretty much started out at the Stoke training sessions and have been a regular ever since," revealed the St Helens-based youngster.

"Coming to Stoke will help me no end, not least because I get on well with Stoke promoter Dave Tattum.

"He saw something in me and my (twin) brother Steve, and we both have a lot of time for what goes on at Stoke.

"When the opportunity came about, we reached agreement fairly quickly."

In addition to helping Scunthorpe/Sheffield win National League honours last term, Worrall also doubled up by riding for Newcastle in the Premier League.

He will do so again next season, but will be sharing his Stoke riding duties by turning out for Elite League Lakeside after impressing Hammers' team boss Jon Cook.

"It's hard to take it all in," added Worrall. "I'd have been happy enough riding in the National League last term, so to double up with Newcastle and win the Premier Trophy with them was just brilliant.

"Now I am set to ride in all three leagues, and it's unreal.

"I don't expect to get too many meetings for Lakeside, but riding in the higher divisions helps you build up speed and confidence, and I'm expecting to improve my starting average with Stoke considerably."

Worrall has just returned from Australia, where he was voted Rider of the Tour.

He added: "It was a fantastic opportunity and the experience will help me.

"We rode in eight or nine meetings, some as Young Lions for team events and others as individuals.

"You have to sort out your machinery and get on with whatever is needed, but the tour was fantastic.

"The only downside is that it was costly, so I now need to build up some more savings to buy better machinery for next season."