HANS Andersen says he plans to leave a metal plate in his hand all season – even though there is no need.

The Pirates skipper saw his 2016 campaign brought to a premature end when he sustained a broken finger on his clutch hand in August.

Andersen, who had the metal plate inserted to aid his recovery, admitted last month that his fitness was still a grey area.

But the 36-year-old raced on these shores for the first time in seven months when he featured in Peter Karlsson's farewell meeting last Sunday, scoring 18 points in the pairs event.

Discussing how he had coped with the Monmore Green outing, Andersen told the Daily Echo: "It was very good. I didn't sense there was anything wrong with the hand.

"The plate has to be in for at least six months which means I could get it removed at the start of April but it seems to be a bit weird to have my hand opened up once the season starts.

"When I rode on Sunday, it wasn't hampering me in any way so I thought I would leave it in for the season and get it out as soon as it finishes.

"The only time I notice I have a metal plate in my hand is when it's cold. But apart from that it feels normal."