Kent’s Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne is set to return from injury for this weekend’s British Superbike Championship Showdown at the famous Assen circuit as the series makes its debut into mainland Europe.

Byrne has been sidelined for the past two races after sustaining a grade four dislocation of his shoulder and ligament damage, but he is set to return this weekend as he bids to close the points deficit to his rivals in his quest for a third championship title.

Shakey said: “The shoulder is getting better all the time; we will have to wait and see how strong it is once we get out on track, but I am doing everything to be in the best possible position. I have to; I have no choice as I want to be champion again! I love the Assen circuit, I have raced there before in both MotoGP and WSB, and it is the ideal place for the start of the Showdown.”

“The key thing for me will be my shoulder. It’s definitely a physically demanding layout and it won’t be easy, but I will be giving it my all.”

“At this point in time I don’t want to start picking out who I think will be the main contenders for this year’s title as that is a stupid thing to do, obviously I don’t want to overlook anyone but my goal is to do the best job I possibly can and then keep getting stronger for the final two rounds.”

“I am sure this is going to be one of the best events of the season and I can’t wait to get out there and get this Showdown started!”