SHEFFIELD favourite Kyle Howarth has revealed how he’s adapted to the real world – by working in the building trade.

Howarth, a league winner with the Owlerton club in 2017, is an early riser these days and has been trying to keep his income going with alternative work following the cancellation of the British season.

He said: “I’ve been working in the building trade getting up at ten to six every morning and getting home for half past five.

“It’s a reality check but it is what it is - we just have to crack on with it, there’s nothing else we can do.”

Howarth has at least made a track return with a practice at Leicester and he rode in the Peter Craven Memorial at Belle Vue last month.

He has reported no reaction from the shoulder he damaged last year and has since had surgery.

“It’s been hard for everyone obviously,” he said. “I’ve had to have an operation but it’s one that needed to be done and sorted to make life easier for me in numerous ways.

“Now it’s done the shoulder feels great. To be back trackside with those pre-meeting nerves was great. I’ve really missed it.

“I’ve been sitting at home doing nothing on week nights twiddling my thumbs thinking about what track I was meant to be at that night.”

Howarth insists he has no plans to retire and focus on the building trade and can’t wait for next season, hoping for a spring start.

“It’s made me realise how much I miss my racing,” he said. “I want to get back to it but we have to get through the winter first.”

Club bosses are planning a Premiership start over the Easter weekend in April and will be keeping a close eye on the football situation and when fans are allowed to return to venues in elite sport.