Newport's Australian youngster Karlis Ezergailis has been given the green light to ride by British speedway's govering body.

The 19-year-old, spotted by Wasps team manager Neil Street, rode in one meeting for the GMB Mavericks - which they won - but his qualification to ride in the Conference League was questioned.

However, the British Speedway Promoters' Association have made their checks and Ezergailis will ride in Sunday's double header at the Hayley Stadium.

He will line up for the Mavericks in their Conference League meeting with the Buxton Hitmen which will be staged following Wasps' Premier League meeting with Workington (tapes-up 2.30pm).

Street said: "We are delighted he is in business and hopefully he will go on and be good enough between now and the end of the season to hold down a Premier League place next season."

Street spotted Ezergailis, whose grandparents emigrated from their native Latvia to Australia, riding at the Broadford track - venue for the former Newport rider Street's testimonial - in his native Victoria.

Street added: "We had planned for him to come to Britain last summer, but he suffered a badly broken wrist."

Tim Stone, Newport promoter, added: "His inclusion will give the Mavericks a big lift and hopefully help them make amends for last Sunday against Boston when it was an uphill struggle, particularly after losing Karl Mason through injury so early in the meeting."

Ezergailis made his first Mavericks appearance against Stoke Spitfires early last month, scoring a paid seven from four rides and helping them to a one-point victory.

Workington will provide Wasps - looking for a fourth straight home league win - with a real test having pushed leaders Hull so close on Wednesday.

Workington skipper Carl Stonehewer sounded a warning to the Wasps, scoring 14 points, the top individual rider in the meeting, gaining four heat wins and a second place.

Simon Stead is now back in the Comets line-up having recovered from a serious heel injury. He won his first three heats but then suffered two exclusions.

Wasps skipper Craig Watson was due to ride for Sheffield agains Edinburgh last night, but the Premier League fixture was a victim of heavy rain.