Ipswich Witches have moved to sign Justin Sedgmen to replace long-term injury victim Nico Covatti – the Australian set to make his debut for his new club at home to Glasgow Tigers, in the Championship, on Thursday.

Sedgmen (25), who has also represented Redcar Bears, Lakeside Hammers and Edinburgh Monarchs, and currently rides for Swindon Robins in the SGB Premiership, will make his debut – subject to British Speedway Promoters’ Association (BSPA) approval – and will be joined in the Witches’ line-up by James Shanes, who will guest for the injured Danyon Hume.

Team manager Ritchie Hawkins said: “We’ve dealt with everything thrown at us well so far this season.

“These things take a little bit of time with visas but he’s (Sedgmen) not missed too many meetings and he will fit well into the side.

“We have a great bond in the team and you have to pick someone who is going to fit that. Knowing Sedgy, he will fit in well with everyone and he is also mega keen to race at Ipswich.

“He would have liked to have come in the winter but that was impossible but he is the man for the job now.”

He added: “We’ve got James Shanes and it would have been nice to have him guest for us last year but I’m looking forward to seeing him wear the Witches race jacket.

“I think the fans will be excited to see him too. He is an exciting British talent.

“Everyone was buzzing after Saturday night and all three of them did well on Sunday at the British semi-final too.

“Everyone wants to get back out on track and carry on our good form.”

The visitors are currently joint top of the table at this early stage but the Witches can go top with a win over the Scottish side.

The Witches are full of confidence after recording their first away win of the season at Berwick despite having been hit by injuries at the start of the new season.

The visitors have a good record in recent times at Foxhall and have not lost since 2013 as the Witches look to put that right.