AN OPERATION that took place in Australia last month to repair a torn left bicep couldn’t have gone better for brilliant Swindon Robins skipper Jason Doyle.

The 34-year-old – who is one of five riders Alun Rossiter has retained for next season from his golden class of 2019 – was promptly out of a supportive sling following the operation, and he yesterday revealed to Adver Sport that his recently fixed arm is now in great health.

Doyle spent three-and-a-half weeks down under before returning to his Norwich home towards the end of November.

His time in New South Wales was largely spent catching up with those closest to him – friends and family.

Frustratingly, the 2017 world champion couldn’t soak up the best of the winter sunshine because of the danger UV radiation poses to scars formed by going under the knife.

That aside, the grand prix star is now pleased to see the back of his arm injury that has caused minor cramping pains when certain movements are executed.

He said: “The injury happened after a crash in Sweden, I tore the bicep off the bone.

“It hasn’t hampered my racing, but I wanted to get it fixed.

“A well-known surgeon has repaired it and my recovery is going well.

“I’m out of the sling and the strength is back in my arm. I wish I had it done a couple of years ago, but I just didn’t have the time because of a few other injuries too.”

Feeling second hand is rather the norm for Robins’ dependable number one.

A catalogue of injuries has done little to put the Aussie off of his profession, though.

But he has a homely Christmas period with wife Emily to look forward to before fitness work kicks into his daily routine at the turn of the new year.

He added: “I’d being lying if I said I woke up feeling great every morning.

“I’ve had a lot of injuries over the years, but that is part and parcel of any sport – we’re pushing our bodies to the limit.

“Speedway is a short career, and you have to make the most of it. My arm is feeling great now, so I need to push forward and not worry about it.

“December is mainly downtime for me. I’m back in England now, though not worrying about fitness too much at the moment – it’s a case of keeping on top of things.

“Any weight I put on I’ll have to lose, so I’ll enjoy the time off before a hectic couple of months before the season.”

Meanwhile, the club’s Southbrook Inn (SN2 1HF) Christmas pop-up shop will once again be open today.

From 10am until 2pm, fans will be able to purchase season tickets, merchandise, DVDs and more.