TEENAGER Zach Wajtknecht insists he is ready to go despite suffering an injury at the end of last season.

Wajtknecht’s season with the Birmingham Brummies’ was cut short when he suffered a freak accident during a win over Stoke-on-Trent.

The 19-year-old got his hand trapped in the back wheel of opposing rider in late July last year, which subsequently broke two fingers in his left hand.

However the youngster, from Saltford near Bath, sees this as a positive because it has allowed him more time to prepare for this season.

“I got injured early in the season last year so I had a bit longer to be prepared,” said the teenager “I got back on the bike before Christmas to see how my hand was and things like that.

“I’ve done some practice in the Isle of Wight and a few other places just to get going so I can get to Swindon in good condition.

“When you think about it it’s only a little injury, breaking your fingers, but obviously it took a bit of time.”

Wajtknecht, who arrives at the Abbey Stadium as a reserve, admits he has been left frustrated by watching other rides get on the bike while he was forced to remain on the sidelines.

“Everyone does speedway because they like riding their bike, so when you’re not riding your bike you’re a bit down watching other people.

“It’s a bit annoying but people get injured you just have to do the best you can to get back on it again.

“Since I’ve got back on the bike and rode it just feels normal now. It’s not an injury which is going to get in the way.”

Wajtknecht enjoyed a stellar season last year with Somerset Rebels and the Brummies’ with both sides winning their respective divisions and the teenager is looking forward to making the step up this term.

He said: “It’s going to be awesome, there are a few experienced riders who I can take things from.

“I know a few of the riders already so I can’t wait. I’m happy with everything."