World Superbike Champion-elect Troy Bayliss has said he wants to see countryman Brendan Roberts step into his shoes in the Xerox Ducati team for 2009.

Bayliss, speaking exclusively to www.bikesportnews.com, said that Roberts had shown plenty of promise with the Ducati Junior team and that there should be a spot for him in World Superbikes.

"I’d like to see Brendan Roberts on it," said Bayliss. "He’s a young Aussie that is going pretty good. He’s spent time in the British Championships and he’s really growing.

"He’s strong, he can ride good in all conditions and he has had some good results in the Superstock races. There could be a spot for him somewhere, whether it’s with a satellite team or not, and I would like to see him on my bike.

"Nico (Cannepa) is injured and was going to ride the test bike at Vallelunga, so Brendan might get a shot at that."