Delighted Eastbourne Eagles are close to confirming Denis Gizatullin in their 2010 line-up after he passed an English exam as part of his application for a work permit.
The former Russian champion is now on course to claim a reserve berth with the Elite League outfit and potentially be their trump card in the coming campaign.
Co-promoter Bob Dugard, who spent much of last season trying to bring in the World Cup rider, said: “For me he was always a key part of our team. All the other riders will live up to their starting averages but he has the chance to make major improvement.
"He comes in on an assessed four-point average but I see him as a seven-point rider.”
Eagles expect to have all the relevant paperwork finalised next month.
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