Aussie flyer Adam Shields is back in action for Eastbourne Eagles at Arlington Stadium tomorrow night.

Shields, one of the hottest properties in speedway, rides for the table-topping Elite League squad when they take on Ipswich, amid a growing belief that he could be on his way to Eastbourne from his current club, the Isle of Wight.

Eagles may have to wait a while to get their man, but the case is building for Shields to make the leap up into the top flight from the Premier League with the Sussex club.

Eastbourne boss Jon Cook has made no secret of his interest in signing Shields in a permanent deal and the rider, who has done the rounds of the big clubs this season, says the move would suit him better than joining any other team.

"I guess riding for Eastbourne is as good as it gets in the Elite League. They would certainly be one of the teams at the top of my list and I would be more than happy to go there."

A move to Eastbourne would also suit Shields, who was an instant hit when he made his Eagles debut earlier in the season, because he lives on the South Coast.

"There are a lot of good things about riding for Eastbourne. I get on well with Jon Cook, they are a very good club with a lot of experienced riders and Arlington is a nice track to ride."

Another plus for Shields is the make-up of the Eagles team. "All the riders speak English, and that is important when you are going to a new club."

Shields admits there has been plenty of interest from other Elite League clubs, but he is in no hurry to commit himself to riding in the big league.

"The ball is in my court, but I'm not going to rush things. I want to make sure I am completely ready and everything is in place before I move up."

Shields had a taste of glory two weeks ago when he and Isle of Wight team-mate Danny Bird triumphed in the Premier League pairs championship at Workington.

Shields won the final with Bird in third place against Newport's Craig Watson and Frank Smart, with the hot favourites, Grand Prix star Carl Stonehewer and Peter I. Karlsson, out of sight on their own track.

"It was a big night and certainly rates up there with one of the best moments of my career."

Shields, however, came down to earth with a bump last week when the Isle of Wight crashed out early on in the four teams championship at Coventry.

"I ran a second in my first ride and then made a silly mistake when I was leading in my second one, and the other three riders all went past me. Danny Bird got a disqualification in one race and that was it. We were out."

That experience, plus scoring only one point in each of his last two forays into the Elite League, has kept his feet firmly on the ground. "I realise that's what can happen, especially against the top riders. I have had some big scores in the Elite League this season but I didn't feel I rode any differently when I only got one point.

"I was still riding to the best of my ability but it's easy to find yourself behind people at that level. That's why I want to get it right."

Shields takes over from Toni Svab, who will be riding in the Czech championships, against Ipswich.

The Witches have had a spell cast over their season, brought on largely by the serious injury to their skipper and talisman, Chris Louis, and are currently embroiled in a dog fight at the wrong end of the table.

They did, however, beat Eastbourne 45-44 the last time the teams met at Ipswich in May. That is one of only six defeats in 26 league and cup matches this year for Eagles, who at least will have a point to make now.

Eastbourne: Mark Loram, David Norris, Joe Screen, Stefan Andersson, Dean Barker, Savalas Clouting, Adam Shields.

Ipswich: Jarek Hampel, Jeremy Doncaster, Craig Boyce, Joonas Kylmakorpi, Scott Nicholls, Leigh Lanham, Chris Slabon.

The start is at 7.30.