ADVANCING reserve James Shanes reckons Sheffield has benefited from his omission at local club Poole Pirates.

The Dorset-based rookie takes to the track against Berwick Bandits at Owlerton on Thursday (7.30) having been handed more time on the bike with National League Birmingham as cover for the injured Jack Parkinson-Blackburn.

That move was made possible by his early-season exit from Premiership Poole, something the 21-year-old grasstrack star has chosen to reflect on in a positive way.

“Things seem to be going well, I had a bit of a blip with confidence and different things but now I feel like I am getting back to where I should be,” said Shanes.

“My (Championship) average has improved quite a lot so I cannot complain on that front and I feel like I am part of a great team atmosphere.

“I was a bit disappointed when I got the call from Matt (Ford, Poole promoter) but you have to take it for what it is.

“In the long run it has probably been slightly better for me, even if I wouldn’t have chosen to take a step back.

“I am not so busy now. When I was riding at Poole as well, I averaged more than 1,000 miles per week. It might get close to that again now I am at Birmingham but hopefully, there will be far less stress.

“There is less rushing around and if I am honest, it may be a bit of a blessing in disguise.”

The Sheffield Window Centre Tigers track a full team for the clash with Berwick running rider replacement for the injured Jye Etheridge.

*For the full interview with Shanes, pick up a copy of Sheffield Speedway's official programme at the track. Packed with content, it is a bargain at £3.

SHEFFIELD: Kyle Howarth, Todd Kurtz, Jan Graversen, Lasse Bjerre, Charles Wright, Jack Smith, James Shanes. Team manager: Simon Stead.

BERWICK: Aaron Summers, R/R Jye Etheridge, Kevin Doolan, David Howe, Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen, Theo Pijper, Dany Gappmaier. Team manager: Scott Courtney.