SWINDON Robins have completed their 2017 line-up with the signing of talented Danish World Under -21 Team Cup runner-up and captain Mikkel B Andersen, who scored five points for his country in the final in Norkopping, Sweden last August.

In Denmark, Andersen rides for 2016 domestic league champions Region Varde in Outrup.

A D-rated rider last season – mercifully the Danish league is a not a slave to averages – he has been promoted to C grade for a league which more than rivals our new Premiership in terms of quality and top riders.

A number of teams were after him and Danish team boss and four-time world champion Hans Nielsen rates him highly.

Robins manager Alun Rossiter is delighted to give Andersen his chance, saying: “Both Hans Nielsen and our former skipper Hans Andersen speak highly of him.

“We’re pleased to welcome Mikkel to Swindon. He’s another fresh face in a side which I expect to improve as the season goes on.

"We get him as a club asset, too, so I’m pleased to have him on board for a number of reasons.”

Andersen said: “My number one aim from the end of last season was to find a club. "Having just finished my apprenticeship I feel the time is right to turn professional. I’m looking forward to the travelling and showing people what I can do.”

While taking the inexperienced Andersen is a gamble, Danes normally do well in Britain and Swindon have had a number of his fellow countrymen over the years.

Two 2016 Robins, Rohan Tungate and Justin Sedgmen, both without British sides next season, finished first and third in last weekend’s New South Wales Championship, while Charles Wright will be riding for Redcar in the second tier during 2017.

Meanwhile, Robins boss Rossiter is to continue his role as British team manager.