BELLE Vue's new Danish wonderkid Kenneth Bjerre looks barely big enough to control a highly-tuned 500cc, brakeless speedway bike.

But the 19-year-old from Esjberg has an immediate answer that speaks volumes for the ambition that is his driving force.

"Erik Gundersen and Jan O Pedersen were only small like me but they won world titles for Denmark," he said.

Bjerre has a cold determination to emulate them and his prime target this season is the World Under-21 title for which he is a favourite, even though he is young enough to be eligible again next term.

He has stepped up fearlessly into the cauldron of Elite League racing with the Aces and makes his debut in tonight's rearranged challenge match against Swindon at Kirkmanshulme Lane (7.45pm). The return is tomorrow.

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Bjerre caught the eye of Belle Vue boss John Perrin last season when he guested against the Aces and scored 18 points on a wet track that he had never seen before.

The youngster, who was also a target for Peterborough, chose the Manchester club after only two seasons with Premier League Newcastle.

He will face a sharp learning curve as he tangles with the world's best riders but Danes aren't short of confidence after seeing their star man, Nicki Pedersen, pip Belle Vue's Aussie, Jason Crump, for the 2003 world title.

Bjerre added: "I'm looking forward to the challenge of a new club and of racing against different people on different tracks. Belle Vue is like Newcastle where I have done many laps so I will use the same engines."

The Aces have signed experienced Premier League riders Paul Thorp (Hull) and Paul Fry (Somerset) as cover for the senior squad.

BELLE VUE: J Screen, T Jedrzejak, K Bjerre, T Svab, J Crump, S Robson, R Schlein.

SWINDON: C Gjedde, D Ruud, S Johnston, O Allen, L Adams, K Kasprzak, A Moore.