Ipswich Witches skipper Danny King has admitted he thought his current form would be good enough to get him into Great Britain’s World Cup team.

King has been left out of Alun Rossiter’s final five for Event One at King’s Lynn on Saturday as GB look to go one better than their runners-up finish in last year’s competition to Poland – when King was part of the team.

However, there is no room for the Ipswich man this year, with Rossiter’s team being: Steve Worrall, Chris Harris, Robert Lambert, Craig Cook and Adam Ellis (reserve).

“I was told last night and of course I’m very disappointed,” King said.

“I know it’s tough on Rosco (Rossiter) to pick a side, it’s not easy and there are a lot of riders in the mix. But I thought my recent form especially would have been enough.

“That’s just the way it goes and it’s not me this year.

“But Rosco and the boys know I wish them all the very best and hope they go and win it.”

Great Britain will be in action in Event One of the showpiece competition looking to overcome Australia, USA and the Czech Republic to book a place directly in the Final at Leszno, Poland.

Rossiter insists he has picked the team which gives them the best chance for another medal run in the tournament after last year’s heroics.

“I’ve tried to pick riders in form and as always I’ve picked the team I think gives us the best chance to get another medal,” Rossiter said.

“It’s unfortunate for people like Danny King, but some of those other riders in the squad haven’t been at their best so far this season.”

Ironcially, King’s exclusion from the side comes after a cracking performance from the Witches No.1 at Glasgow on Saturday night when he rattled off three heat victories in races 11, 13 and 15 against the powerful Tigers’ heat leaders to grab the Witches a losing bonus point in a 49-43 defeat.

“I think we sent a message to Glasgow and the rest of the league after that,” King said.

“Not many teams pick up anything at Glasgow and the fact we did is a big boost for us and of course shows our capabilities.”

The Witches have no meeting this week, but travel to Peterborough on Sunday afternoon for a Championship clash.

The Panthers have been inconsistent so far this season, but have a solid-looking line-up and one that is very capable.

Yesterday they handed Glasgow their biggest defeat of the season so far, as the Panthers ran out 55-37 winners.