Eastbourne Eagles were today waiting for the call from Denmark which could knock their faltering play-off bid for six.

Top scorer Nicki Pedersen was due to decide this morning whether to ride in tonight's key skybet Elite League tussle at home to Coventry.

Eagles have slipped out of the top four and defeat could cost them their place in the end-of-season play-offs.

Former world champion Pedersen suffered headaches and bruising after a spectacular crash in Denmark on Wednesday night.

Eagles boss Jon Cook said: "Apparently Nicki has been advised not to ride but he has told me he will decide when he gets up today.

"I have no one available to race in his place so we will really need him."

Cook is already without high-scoring reserve Oliver Allen but expects Dean Barker and David Norris to play a full part in the meeting.

Barker missed Thursday's defeats at Peterborough due to a pinched nerve in his neck and Norris withdrew halfway through the evening feeling unwell.

Barker's absence is said to have been purely precautionary. Norris' withdrawal was something of a setback after his recent progress in returning from ill-health brought on by concussion.

Cook said: "Hopefully that was just a precaution as well.

"We need him to be giving it his all. His injury has been the story of our season so far.

"What better way for him to put it behind him than by riding well for us tonight?"

Coventry fought off spirited Wolves 48-41 last night as Eastbourne asset Joonas Kylmakorpi scored 10+1 (5) and reserve Martin Smolinski had a paid 14. Peterborough beat Poole 48-42.