Morris set to boost Brum

May 14 2008 By Nigel Pearson

PHIL Morris has set himself a target of Sunday week to make his long-awaited return to the Birmingham side.

The popular Welshman again misses out tonight as the BRC Roofing Brummies take on Glasgow in Premier League action.

He suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung five weeks ago in a crash at Mildenhall.

His absence has been a big blow to the Perry Barr side as his programmed rides are covered by lower order riders - and that means a significantly smaller score than Morris would achieve.

He said: "It's been a frustrating time but I would like to think I am close to getting back into action.

"A week on Sunday, May 25, when we take on King's Lynn, is my target and that's what I'm aiming for. It's nothing definite at this stage but that's what I'm aiming for.

"I've felt a lot better in the past week or so but the injuries were so painful I knew I had to give it as much time as possible to get it right."

Brummies boss Graham Drury will be happy to see Morris back as soon as possible.

"Phil was flying at the time of his accident and he's been a big loss to us," he said.

"We only got three points from his rides last week and that's nowhere near enough.

"Hopefully now we can look forward to having him back next week and we will have a full seven-man team for the first time in ages.

"Glasgow will be tough, they beat us here at Perry Barr in the Knockout Cup, although we were able to win on aggregate.

"They've brought in a good guest for their injured skipper Shane Parker.

"Carl Stonehewer is a rider I know well from our time together at Long Eaton and he's on a record as saying I helped revive his career when I took him there. It's a meeting we have to win, we need to preserve a good home record in the league and I'm confident we can do that but it will be a hard match."

BIRMINGHAM: Henning Bager, Lee Smart, Jason Lyons, Phil Morris R/R, Adam Roynon, Jack Hargreaves, Jack Roberts, Paul Starke.

GLASGOW: Trent Leverington, Josh Grajczonek R/R, Carl Stonehewer, Lee Dicken, Robert Ksiezak, Mitchell Davey, Ross Brady, Ben Hopwood.