McKinna's on way back

May 31 2007 By Barry Wallace, The Evening Chronicle

Adam McKinna makes a track return tonight for the first time since breaking both wrists in a crash during Newcastle's opening match at Byker on March 18.

The 20-year-old Diamond will have a second-half spin at Redcar after the Bears' match against King's Lynn.

And Newcastle team manager George English will then discuss with McKinna the next step along the comeback trail. McKinna's return to action is about a month earlier than originally predicted after the accident, which not only stopped him riding but also from following his occupation as a lift service engineer.

The rider, who watched the Diamonds' last-gasp victory over Newport on Sunday, is itching to reclaim his spot in the Warburtons-backed team, but English will not be rushed.

English said: "Adam came back too soon from a wrist injury last year and did not do himself, or the team, any favours.

"This time, we'll see how he goes tonight, and, providing everything is OK, he may well turn out for Redcar's Conference League side on Saturday when they have a home double-header.

"Ashley Johnson will continue to fill Adam's place in the Newcastle team, both at Workington on Saturday and in the home match against Berwick on Sunday (6.30)."