MITCHELL Davey is ready to prove his worth in the top tier of British Speedway as he looks to make his mark in his first season with Swindon Robins.

Davey was one of two winter recruits made by Robins team manager Alun Rossiter, alongside fellow Australian Troy Batchelor, and will slot in down at reserve alongside British youngster Zach Wajtknecht.

The 28-year-old did a solid job in several guest bookings towards the end of last season, having been called up as cover after Wajtknecht was sidelined through injury.

This season marks Davey’s first full campaign in the SGB Premiership – last year he split his time between Edinburgh Monarchs in the Championship and National League side Stoke Potters – and he is relishing the challenge ahead.

“I enjoyed the meetings I did last year and to get the call to join the team full-time, and be part of such a massive club, you couldn’t really ask for much more. It is what you aspire to in your career,” said Davey.

“When I was guesting last year, the team all took me in and treated me really well. I felt really welcome.

“It is only myself and Troy who are new for this year and I have known Troy since I was a young teenager, so there will be no problem getting on with anyone. This year is going to me first time riding at the top level – the guest bookings last year were my first time ever.

“I started off quite young and had a lot of injuries, so I missed a couple of seasons. To come back into the sport and be recognised by Swindon and have them give me an opportunity is great.

“It shows I am going in the right direction and with the help of the team and the promoters, hopefully I can only get better.”

Davey notched a 5+1 points haul on his first outing as a fully-fledged member of the Robins roster on Monday as they surrendered a 48-42 deficit away at Belle Vue Aces in the first leg of the season-opening Charity Shield meeting.

The teams resume battle back at the Abbey Stadium on Thursday and Davey believes a pressure-free environment in the camp will reap its rewards on the track.

“I am excited for the season and Rosco keeps telling me he knows there is room for improvement. He is going to work really closely with me to get me moving forward, so that can only bring benefits to the team,” said Davey.

“But you have got to have fun while you are doing it first and foremost, otherwise it isn’t your dream job anymore, it is just a normal job that you don’t want to do but you have to.

“You need to keep it fun and stress-free and enjoy riding your bike and the results will come.”