Bates in race to be fit for Sheffield Tigers and World U21 speedway

And he’s not given up on making his return with Sheffield in Thursday’s Owlerton clash with Workington.

Bates crashed heavily in the home win over Berwick last week and damaged his shoulder which forced him to sit out Saturday’s 55-37 defeat at Workington.

His uncle, Tigers co-promoter Damien Bates, said: “He was in a lot of pain on Thursday night but he’s feeling better by the day and it would be nice to think he can ride for us on Thursday.

“But his main target is to represent his country in the World Under-21 Team Cup in Denmark.

“It’s a massive honour for the lad and he is desperate to make it so he’s having daily physio to try and easy up the muscles and make it better for him.

“He’s been high on confidence so it was such a shame he crashed, but we’ll check his progress daily.”

Tigers were well beaten in Cumbria at the weekend and will be making this Thursday a revenge mission in front of their own fans.

Team boss Marc Bates said: “It was a disappointing night, and it was just one of those meetings where nothing went our way.

“Jason (Garrity) rode well, but we missed Josh (Bates) and only got three points from his rides which cost us.

“As a team we struggled and didn’t do as well as we can, but we just have to move on and try to bounce back at home on Thursday.”

WORKINGTON 55: Claus Vissing 13, Kenneth Hansen 10+1, Ricky Wells 9, Mason Campton 8+1, Matt Williamson 6+1, Adam Roynon 5+1, Rasmus Jensen 4+2.

SHEFFIELD 37: Jason Garrity 11, Kyle Howarth 10, Simon Stead 7+2, Dimitri Berge 6+1, Arthur Sissis 3, Nathan Greaves 0, Josh Bates r/r.