GLASGOW TIGERS have signed a Danish Under-21 international to replace the outgoing Jonas Raun.

Anders Thomsen, 19, has already taken several impressive scalps in speedway – including Polish Grand Prix wild card Bartosz Zmarzlik and 2014 GP series hopeful Vaclav Milik while racing for his country earlier this month.

Now the European U-21 Team Championship silver medallist has joined the Ashfield club as they bid to turn their season around following 11 straight defeats.

It is a signing which has excited team manager Sean Courtney, who admitted one of his top five riders had to go – with Raun, also from Denmark, the unfortunate party.

"Anders rode in Poland in the European final and beat a few good ones there," said Courtney.

"He was the world 80cc champion three years ago. He came back from an injury this year and he's got going pretty good, so he sounds like a good talent to get.

"He's only 19 so we feel like the potential is there. If someone goes out and wins a world title in any event it shows that they've got a good pedigree.

"Anders comes in on a seven-point average, so it had to be one of the top five who made way to bring him in.

"I think it might take a few meetings to get going, but as far as I know his equipment is really good."

Courtney paid tribute to Raun's contribution and grace in accepting he had been dropped, adding: "I was sorry that it came to that but we have to try and get results and to build assets for the club.

"We're looking forward to Anders coming over. I think he'll be a good addition to the team."

Jan Thomsen, Anders' father, revealed that the Tigers have bagged themselves an "extremely good" passer on the speedway track – but admits it will be tough for his son at first.

Said Jan: "What characterises him best is that he has winning in his genes. He will always be the best in everything he does.

"He is extremely good at passing from behind. If he loses the start, he keeps fighting and most times passes – he never gives up.

"The 2013 season has been really good for him. He is racing for Munkebo in the Danish Superliga and also runs 1 Division for them, where he is the top rider in the team."

Thomsen makes his Tigers debut on Friday at Somerset, followed by a trip to Rye House on Saturday.

He will make his first home appearance on July 28 when Glasgow welcome Plymouth to Ashfield.