SWINDON Robins’ new signing Dakota North did not have to think twice when offered an emergency slot on Alun Rossiter’s roster.

The highly-rated 22-year-old Aussie has been brought in after Nicolai Klindt was shown the door by the Abbey Stadium outfit after just five meetings into the new Elite League campaign.

North will make his debut against Easbourne Eagles at the Abbey on Thursday as Swindon hope to provide an immediate response to Good Friday’s double-defeat at the hands of reigning champions Poole.

North holds a British passport and was available at short-notice having not originally expected to ride in Britain this year. He said when Robins’ supremo Rossiter called he was more than happy to oblige.

“I like Rosco and the rest of the boys at Swindon, so it was a very easy decision to join,” said North.

“I didn’t have any plans to ride in England so I wasn’t disappointed to not get a team place over here, but the opportunity for more meetings is only going to be good for me.

“Swindon is a good set-up and a nice track. I have always done okay there as an away rider and I’m confident I can improve by racing on it regularly. I don’t set myself targets – I just want to do my part for the team.

“It sounds like they have been unlucky so far and let’s hope I can help them pick up some better results.”

North has previously ridden for Mildenhall, Newcastle, Somerset, Birmingham and Peterborough. He also successfully guested for the Robins back in 2012.

As a junior back in his native country North beat Darcy Ward to claim the 2007 Australian under 16 Championship.

Aside from his history on the track he also has speedway pedigree. His father, Rod North, rode in the 1970s and 1980s mostly for Stoke.