The pocket-sized Dane endured a disappointing start to the season before suffering a broken thigh after being hit by a team-mate's out of control bike during a Danish League meeting at the end of May.

Bjerre bravely returned to the saddle only 10 days after that horror injury, although he was predictably some way short of top form while going through the recovery process.

But things are really looking up now for a rider bidding to end the campaign on a high by dragging Panthers out of the Elite League relegation zone.

The city side were seriously impressive when taking care of play-off bound Swindon in front of the Sky TV cameras on Monday night to haul themselves off the bottom of the standings.

And Bjerre is after more of the same when Eastbourne roll into Alwalton tonight as Panthers bid to reduce the three points that currently separate them from safety.

Bjerre, who has amassed 41 points in his last four Panthers outings, said: "My league racing has been really disappointing and it has taken me a long while to get going.

"I had a slow start to the season and then suffered the bad injury at the end of May.

"But now my leg is strong, I am feeling good and aiming for double figures in every meeting.

"We have lost at home a few times this season and hopefully that won't happen again because we have the makings of a good team now and we need the points to get out of the bottom two.

"I definitely think we will manage that because we have so many home meetings to come in which we can pick up points, plus we have done more away meetings than all the other teams so the league table doesn't really tell the whole story."

While that success over Swindon raised hopes of leaving the drop zone behind, the arrival of owner Rick Frost has also given the club a much-needed shot in the arm.

The Berkshire businessman has done some powerful public speaking since taking over from Colin Horton and has also made a good impression on the Panthers riders.

Bjerre added: "Things are really good again at the club now and the new owner is a really nice guy. He speaks to me before and after every meeting and I am looking forward to working with him.

"Rick seems to really love speedway and I know he has got some good ideas for the club."

And Bjerre could soon be fulfilling a big ambition of his own soon – becoming a GP rider.

He lines up in the World Qualifying Final at Zielona Gora in Poland next Sunday, hoping to finish in the top three and earn a place at the sport's top table.

"I just hope I can do it," he continued. "I had a good meeting when I was the wildcard in the Danish GP and I really want to be in the series."


Teams

Panthers: 1 Ryan Sullivan (7.72), 2 Lukas Dryml (6.28), 3 Kenneth Bjerre (7.36), 4 Henning Bager (4.37), 5 Danny King (5.88), 6 Ty Proctor (3.00), 7 Claus Vissing (4.18). Team manager: Wayne Swales.