Skipper and number one Sullivan had originally been given permission to miss the fixture when rejoining the club at the beginning of August due to his involvement in a Polish Ekstraliga play-off meeting on Friday.

However, earlier this week it was understood he had re-arranged his travel plans to race at the Showground tonight. But last night the Australian informed club bosses he would not be racing due to an ear and throat infection.

Panthers moved quickly to draft in hot British property Tai Woffinden to guest tonight – it is hoped he will be able to take the place of injured Lukas Dryml with the rider replacement facility covering the absence of Sullivan.

Team manager Trevor Swales said: "Ryan had altered his travel plans for the week to make this meeting, but he has now gone down with illness.

"He has an infection and has been advised not to fly by his doctors. Obviously it is a big blow to be without our captain, but the prospect of seeing Tai in action certainly excites me and I thank him for taking the booking at such short notice."

Woffinden, who is owned by Wolverhampton, has been setting the Premier League alight this season and was a revelation when lining up for Great Britain in the World Cup race-off back in July.

He is expected to step up into the Elite League permanently next year and Panthers promoter Mick Bratley said: "Every cloud has a silver lining and being able to see Tai riding at the Showground is definitely that in this case."