Just like brother William had admitted earlier in the day, Michael Dunlop said he simply didn't go quick enough in the early stages of the Superstock race and only in the second half of the race did he really get going. Riding the Ard na Mara Holiday Homes/Macadoo Racing Kawasaki, the younger of the Dunlop clan was down in tenth at Glen Helen on the opening lap but began to make his charge on the second lap when he moved up to fourth.

"I just wasn’t quick enough on the opening lap. It’s not been the best of weeks and after the breakdown in the Supersport race, I didn’t think I’d ever get to stand on the podium this week and when I saw ‘P10’ on the first lap, I was beginning to wonder what I was doing," said Dunlop, speaking to bikesportnews.com.

"The bike never missed a beat though so a big thanks to my engine builder Jed and I kept plugging away and really went for it on the last lap. The gap to me and Ryan was getting smaller and smaller so I kept chipping away and although I don’t want to be finishing in second, I’m still pleased to be here.”

With the fastest lap of the race, 129.235mph, Dunlop closed to with eight seconds of race winner John McGuinness but it was a little too late although he was pleased to have recorded his first podium of the week.

"Things have been breaking from the moment we got here but this result means at least we might be able to afford a beer tonight. We're flat broke but like I say I went for it on that last lap and second is better than nothing. I had a few two wheel slides and a couple of moments but the tyre lasted the four laps really well and is still in pretty good shape so fair play to the lads at Dunlop. It's also been a huge bonus getting Gary (Ryan) back involved. He's a big part of my racing so, hopefully, now he's back for good."