Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne has undergone surgery on a damaged ligament in his right shoulder after crashing during practice for the Cadwell Park round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship.

The Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki rider, from Sittingbourne, came down heavily at the Hairpin during Sunday’s second free practise session.

He was initially was taken to hospital in Hull before being transferred to a private specialist in Manchester, who performed the operation the same day.

Byrne, who has already qualified for the three-round Title Showdown meeting at Assen in Holland from September 21-23, said on his Twitter page: “The operation was a success and the surgeon is really happy.

"Now I am looking forward to getting home to see my wife Petra and the children.”