DORSET racer James Shanes admitted he had needed no second invitation to join National League Birmingham.

The 21-year-old has joined the Brummies as injury cover for Jack Parkinson-Blackburn, who has a shoulder problem.

Puddletown-based Shanes started the season with Pirates and rode in five meetings before being replaced by Stefan Nielsen, who subsequently succumbed to injury.

Shanes is due to make his Brummies debut in Wednesday’s National Trophy clash with Buxton.

He told the club website: “As soon as Birmingham got in contact, there was no hesitation from me.

“I know from when I rode for Kent how good a club Birmingham are and their fans are great, too.

“It’s also good for me as well because I know a lot of people there already.

“My speedway career started with Laurence (Rogers, team manager) at Coventry in 2013. I also rode with David (Mason, co-promoter) at Kent and learnt quite a bit from him.

“I know most of the boys in the team already and me and Danyon (Hume) go back to our Poultec days.

“However long my stay lasts, I want to score plenty of points and put on a show for the supporters.”

Rogers added: “Not only is James a quality rider at this level, he’s also so exciting to watch and I’m sure the Birmingham fans are in for a treat."