Shane Byrne admits he has no idea how his shoulder will hold up as he chases a third British Superbike crown.

The Sittingbourne rider, pictured, has missed the last two races with a dislocated shoulder but returns for the first of three title-deciding Showdown meetings at Assen on Sunday.

The Kawasaki star sits third in the championship, 12 points behind leader Tommy Hill, and is involved in a six-way fight for the title.

Byrne said: "The shoulder is getting better all the time. We will have to wait and see how strong it is once we get out on the track, but I am doing everything to be in the best possible position.

"I have no choice as I want to be champion again.

"I love the Assen circuit. I have raced there before in both MotoGP and World Superbikes and it is the ideal place for the start of the Showdown."