The 22-year-old Cessnock rider, who had been due to line up for the now defunct Workington Comets in the 2019 British League Championship, gained selection to replace Danish rider Kasper Andersen who was released by the club.

MacDonald debuted for the Sheffield Tigers against Birmingham on Wednesday night.

Since being denied his big break following the sudden closure of the Comets, MacDonald has been a regular in the Sheffield Tigers pits helping compatriot Ty Proctor as a mechanic.

He has also got in meetings when possible, including the Top Gun at Sheffield in April and feels prepared for his belated bow.

"I know most of the boys pretty well like Zaine (Kennedy) and Kyle (Howarth). I get along with all of the guys so there will be no issues with team bonding or anything like that," MacDonald said.

"I have been doing as many laps as possible and getting in meetings where I can too,

"With this opportunity coming up now it means I am not rusty and hopefully I can just go out and be on the pace straight away."