Donald fired up for Phillip Island Classic

Australia's Cameron Donald is fired up for the annual Phillip Island Classic this month, when the Melbourne rider faces old Isle of Man TT rival John McGuinness.

Morecambe star McGuinness is making his debut at the event for the UK team in the International Challenge race, joining Jeremy McWilliams, Gary Johnson and Steve Brogan.

And Donald, who will ride a Suzuki XR69, is looking forward to welcoming the 20-time TT winner to his home patch at Phillip Island.

"I won't underestimate John because he's a great rider and has been doing lots of short circuit racing over the last few years in world endurance events, so racing at Phillip Island isn't going to be such a surprise for him," he said.

"We've had some great battles, but it will be good to take on John in my own backyard for a change.

"John is definitely going to make it a lot harder for Australia to win. McWilliams is also brilliant and Brogan is an exceptional rider as well."

McGuinness will be making his first appearance at the iconic circuit, having been forced to sit out the Australian round of the World Supersport Championship in 2002 through injury.

He claimed his latest Isle of Man TT victory in the blue riband Senior race in 2013 and is six wins behind the legendary event's most successful rider ever, Northern Ireland hero Joey Dunlop.

The Phillip Island Classic takes place from January 24-26.