Eastbourne Eagles today called on Nicki Pedersen to silence his critics and lead them into a major final.

Pedersen makes his longawaited return to Eagles colours as they defend a 15-point lead at Arena-Essex in the second leg of the Knockout Cup semi-finals tonight (7.45pm).

It will be the Danish champion's first Eagles outing since a league defeat at Belle Vue more than four weeks ago.

He was initially sidelined by Grand Prix commitments in Poland, then by the aftereffects of a fall in Denmark.

But it was the fact he returned to race in the Italian Grand Prix, then missed his team's play-off semi-final at Belle Vue two days later, which riled some fans.

Pedersen made a quick return in an attempt to claim precious GP points at Lonigo but looked out of sorts.

Now, though, he has proved his return to form and fitness with decent hauls for Smederna in the two-leg Swedish play-off semis, staged on successive nights.

And Eagles promoter Jon Cook, who backed his star rider's decision not to go to Manchester, is convinced he will silence the restless minority by impressing tonight.

Cook admitted: "I was surprised Nicki came back so quickly but, having seen him race in Italy on the Saturday, I wasn't too keen to take a chance with him at Belle Vue.

"Now he's back and what better way for him to show his commitment to Eastbourne than by making sure we qualify for the final?

"Nicki does not need to prove anything to me but I read comments from fans.

"There seems to be a suggestion from some of them that they find it hard to accept him riding in the Grand Prix but not in England.

"I'm in the fortunate position of dealing with Nicki on a day-to-day basis.

"I know what he is like but I also understand why people not in that position might call him into question "It would be a nice way for him to answer his critics by seeing us through."

Pedersen has missed nine meetings, of which Eagles lost seven.

He said: "I'm very glad to be back It was frustrating to miss the semi-final against Belle Vue but it only means I'm extra motivated to help my club reach the final and hopefully win the knockout title.

"Arena Essex are always very strong on their own track but a solid Eastbourne performance there will mean we go in the final with a lot of confidence."

While Pedersen suddenly has his doubters, Eagles fans have been impressed by the way Adam Shields has come back from a broken collarbone to produce his best form of the season.

Shields and Dean Barker will be key men tonight and Eagles will look for an improved haul from Davey Watt, whose points tally in the last four meetings has been a woeful 16+2 from 19 heats, one of which saw him ride for double points.

Cook felt Eagles had done enough when they won the first leg 55-40 almost two months ago. He still expects his men to reach the two-legged final against Belle Vue, despite their subsequent injury problems.

Cook said: "We're still upbeat. Fifteen points is not a great deal if Arena hit a bit of form.

"But I'm reasonably confident without taking anything for granted.