BROC Nicol admitted he was nervous before his comeback meeting with Sheffield at Eastbourne.

American ace Nicol, who flew back into the UK last week after a spell on the sidelines with a broken collarbone, scorched to a staggering 17-points in the heartbreaking last gasp defeat at Arlington.

But he was thrilled with his own performance and can’t wait for the next meeting at Owlerton on Wednesday September 11 against Newcastle, followed by trips to Edinburgh and Newcastle.

He said: "It was the perfect way to make my comeback. I was a little nervous before the start of the meeting but knew the shoulder was strong and if I could make a few starts I could score some points.

"To top score with 17-points and win the races I did made it a perfect comeback and it's given me loads of confidence. I've had a couple of skids since I landed back in England early last week but the pressure of being on the start line with three other riders is something you can't replicate. Eastbourne is a track I like a lot and it was nice and smooth once you hit the front.

"It's a pity it went down to a last heat decider which we lost but we are happy to take a point away from tonight. It was unfortunate we lost Kyle (Howarth) and hopefully he will be OK."

Howarth is seeing a specialist regarding the collarbone injury and is hoping to race on with injections after suffering ligament damage.