Jon Cook insists his Eastbourne Eagles have virtually no chance of catching the skybet Elite League leaders.

But they can keep the door ajar, and give themselves a massive play-off boost, with a big points haul from back-to-back clashes with Belle Vue Aces over the next few days.

Aces head to Arlington tomorrow (7.30pm) for what could be one of the meetings of the year at the Sussex track. The corresponding B fixture takes place in Manchester on Monday.

A home win and a bonus point would do wonders for Eagles' play-off push. Two wins and they might just have Belle Vue in their sights, given the matches they have in hand.

Cook, though, insists second place is the best his men can hope for as they bid to extend a run of seven wins from their last eight meetings.

Eagles' immediate concern is overhauling Poole and Coventry in the scramble for second place and home advantage in the play-offs.

Cook would happily take second but he would not mind fourth either, providing Belle Vue finish top.

The Eagles promoter said: "I don't think we can catch Belle Vue but we can aim for second spot.

"Belle Vue don't seem to enjoy racing us. Of all the teams in the play-off picture, we are probably the one with the best record there so they are a little bit wary of us.

"I'm absolutely sure they will win the league. It's just a shame we are not at full strength for these two meetings."

Adam Shields, who broke his collar bone in three places riding in Sweden recently, is out for at least another fortnight.

Contrary to initial expectations, though, David Norris looks like being back in action tomorrow after recovering well from a setback to his return to racing ruled out for several weeks earlier this summer by the after effects of concussion, felt unwell after flying to Sweden to race for Vargarna recently.

He pulled out of Eagles subsequent fixture with Wolves and there were fears his season was over.

Now, though, he is ready to give it another go in the Elite League, though he has cancelled all remaining appearances in Sweden.

Norris will put in a few practice laps at Sittingbourne's open day today and said: "I should be okay.

"I'm feeling better. I had ridden for Eastbourne on the Monday night, had about three hours' kip before catching the plane, then went over to Sweden and rode and felt really rough when I got back.

"Now I just want to get on with it for the rest of the season. Jon (Cook) is prepared to involve me in the team, even if I'm scoring eights and nines, which is great."

Coventry and Team GB star Chris Harris, a big hit on his recent guest appearance for Eastbourne by scoring 12+2 (6) against Wolves, stands by to replace Shields should Eagles need to use their rider-replacement facility for Norris.

Otherwise, Shields' rides will be shared around while Dean Barker and Davey Watt continue in partnership.

Oliver Allen, signed this week from Kings Lynn, makes his debut tomorrow and will be available for the vast majority of Eagles' remaining fixtures, including Monday's trip to the north-west.

Cook would love to have thesort of settled line-up Belle Vue can call upon and is close to taking a step towards that for next season.

Subject to the formality of BSPA approval, the swap deal which sees Watt ride for Eastbourne and Edward Kennett turn out for Poole will be extended into next summer.

A definitive transfer will not be considered until Kennett has seen out his Premier League commitments with Rye House next season.