EXCITING American ace Broc Nicol admits it will take “time to settle” but aims to emulate Sheffield American legends.

Tigers swooped to land the hot Californian prospect in a mid-season shake-up which also saw a return at reserve for exciting Georgie Wood.

But Nicol, 20, is the big news as he arrives in Yorkshire with a huge pedigree and help from four-times world champion legend Greg Hancock.

He makes his home debut at home to Glasgow tonight and admitted: “This is definitely the first step to progress in speedway. I’ve come over for World Cups a couple of times and it’s hard to go straight into them without actually regularly racing in Europe.

“This is the right step and a massive thing for my career and Sheffield seems like an awesome team to ride for.

“I’ve never been to Sheffield. But since I found out I was going to race for them I’ve been watching quite a bit of video trying to see the way around the track. I’m excited to go there and hopefully score some points.

“It will take time for me to settle. I’m not putting too much pressure on myself but I definitely want to get off to a good start. I just want to score my average and anything about that is a bonus.”

Nicol follows in the Stars and Stripes iconic tyretracks of Kelly and Shawn Moran from the halcyon 80s days at Owlerton.

But nowadays he has been mentored by current GP legend Hancock. He added: “It’s amazing that Americans have such a great heritage at Sheffield. That was before my time but I’ve not seen Kelly and Shawn Moran race but I’ve heard so many good things about their ability and how great they went around Sheffield.

“I’m hugely inspired by the American greats. Hopefully I can work my way up to be the next one.

“I went over with Greg to Poland last season and he took me under his wing and allowed me to travel and practice with him.

“I did some open meetings in Poland and that was a great experience being around Greg. He showed me what has to be done and what it takes to be at that level, he was great and it was a big eye-opener.”