Kewvin Doolan makes an emotional first return, as an opposition rider, to Ipswich tonight with the hope of pulling on a Witches’ jersey once again.

The Aussie lost his place at Foxhall earlier in the season, following an indifferent start to the campaign, and guests for Rye House in the Premier Trophy Challenge.

The ‘Sackers’ Witches sit second in Group 2 but victory against the table-topping Rockets, followed by a win in Sheffield, could see Pete Simmons’ team progress to the final.

Sheffield-based Doolan returned to Foxhall soon after his departure to support the Witches but insists friendships will be put to one side tonight.

“It’s pretty important Rye House get a win under their belts,” said Doolan, who claims the mechanical problems he endured at Ipswich were resolved soon after his exit.

“I would love to be in the Witches’ colours once again and I hope the opportunity arises, but I will be concentrating on winning points for myself and for Rye House.

“It used to be difficult riding against former team-mates but when you are on the same team one evening, and then you ride against them the next, in a different country, you stop holding grudges.”

Meanwhile, the Suffolk side travel to Somerset tomorrow night in the first leg of the League Cup.

The Rebels have been rocked by injury to No.1 Jason Doyle, the flying Aussie has been in great form this season but broke a bone in his neck at the weekend – Plymouth’s Ryan Fisher comes in as a replacement.