Wolves set out at Swindon on the first steps of a mission to end their long-standing speedway Knockout Cup misery.

The Monmore men have not tasted glory in the competition since 1996 and in recent years have tended to go out in the early rounds.

Skipper Peter Karlsson reckons the time is right to improve on those showings, despite a tough first-round first-leg tie tonight at the league title favourites (7.30pm).

He draws comfort from a comfortable pre-season challenge aggregate victory over Coventry and that Wolves, he insists, now have strength in depth.

Karlsson said: “I hope we can do well – I’m sure we can. If we can get anywhere close there, I’m sure we can handle them at Monmore. That’s the key.

“We must be pleased with the performances (so far). At home we had no big problem in handling Coventry – and we should have won away.

“We threw some silly points away. I’m thinking about heats one and eight, when we were 5-1’d. If we had kept those level, we would have won.

“But it feels like any guy in the team can win a race at the moment.”

But Wolves will be without impressive double-up reserve Ty Proctor, who is on duty with Premier League Redcar.

Chris Kerr makes his 2009 bow for Wolves following delays to his work permit.

Swindon, fresh from a 14-point challenge win over Swedish champs Lejonen, are at full strength.

The talismanic Leigh Adams is again their spearhead and was unbeaten against the Lions.