Peterborough Panthers director of speedway Peter Oakes says he is pleased to have two British riders on board for next season.

Panthers had no Brits in their 2009 side, but Lewis Bridger and Adam Roynan have signed up for 2010.

Oakes told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "There are British riders around who can do a very good job and it's important to get a good blend.

"All the riders can speak English and that's important."

Bridger, 20, has signed from Eastbourne and is the reigning British Under-21 champion.

He arrives on a 6.95 average with Ales Dryml moving in the opposite direction.

Roynan makes the move from Birmingham and will ride at reserve with a 3.10 average.

The 21-year-old suffered a serious neck injury whilst practising with the Great Britain team last season.

"Peter Oakes and Trevor Swales have put a lot of faith in me, so now I need to repay them," he said.

PANTHERS LINE-UP FOR 2010 AS IT STANDS: Niels-Kristian Iversen, 27, Danish Kenneth Bjerre, 25, Danish Troy Batchelor, 22, Australian Lewis Bridger, 20, British Adam Roynan, 21, British

"I just need to get fit now and score as many points as I can during the course of the season."

Kenneth Bjerre and Danish compatriot Neils-Kristian Iversen both return for 2010 with Bjerre entering his fourth consecutive season with the Panthers.

"I feel really at home here and we should have a more competitive team this time around," he said.

"A lack of experience could be our weak point, but if it works out it should be good."

Troy Batchelor follows in the footsteps of Panthers legend Ryan Sullivan in becoming the latest Australian to grace the Showground.

"I'm looking to be here for a few years, as Swindon didn't want a loan Peterborough have been forced to go out and buy me," he said.

Batchelor ended last season on loan at Ipswich having lost his place at Swindon to Matej Zagar after suffering a broken wrist.

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