Teenager Robert Lambert is praised for his displays during first Speedway World Cup appearances

One of the area’s brightest young talents has been showered with compliments after his hugely encouraging World Cup debut, writes Gavin Caney.

Robert Lambert, 17, from Foulsham, shone on the big stage for Great Britain during his first two appearances at the annual week-long competition between speedway’s finest countries.

First – on his home King’s Lynn track – the former Reepham High School pupil overcame a slow start to score a more-than respectable seven points. That tally, in theory, came from only four rides with the teenage sensation being excluded from one outing for touching the tapes at the start of the race.

The highlight of that memorable evening was Lambert’s stunning pass on world champion Greg Hancock, 45. But his joy was short-lived as Australia’s Nick Morris denied the hot prospect his maiden World Cup race win at the death.

Norfolk’s great hope didn’t have to wait long to break his duck though with the Brits racing again during last Thursday’s race-off – a last-chance saloon event for the sides who finished second and third during their respective ‘semis’.

While the Brits failed to progress to the showcase, which was won by Sweden, they did themselves proud – none more so than the youngster from near Fakenham. He chalked up two exciting race wins to earn huge praise on his way to eight points in Denmark from a number of high-profile figures.

GB boss Alun Rossiter, talking about one of the four riders he selected to pull on the white, red and blue kevlars, said: “Robert certainly did really well and it was great to work with him this week.

“There’s all the hoo-ha about him and the whole world is watching. He handed that pressure very well. He has an old head on young shoulders.”

Pundit, and current rider, Scott Nicholls waxed lyrical about his compatriot’s performances while well-respected media pair Kelvin Tatum and Nigel Pearson also dished out words of encouragement – with the former describing Lambert as a “a real talent with bags of potential on the international stage”.

The youngster will be back in action for the Stars tomorrow when they visit the Lakeside for an Elite League meeting.