Roads legend Ryan Farquhar has been announced as a replacement for Steve Brogan in the UK team for the 2014 Australian Motorcycle News International Island Classic at Phillip Island on the Australia Day weekend.

With Brogan unavailable because of family commitments, 37-year-old Farquhar was quick to answer the SOS in what will be the Northern Irishman’s fourth successive appearance in the Tahbilk International Challenge, the Island Classic’s big ticket event.

And he’s been an impressive campaigner around the 4.45km Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit, finishing fourth and seventh overall in 2011 and 2012 before last year’s event was a write-off due to mechanical problems.

“It’s a great event. It has to be one of the best classic short circuit races in the world. I enjoy Phillip Island as it has a bit of everything and the scenery is fantastic," said the Irishman

“There’s no doubt 2014 has the strongest British team ever and the change in rules will even things up. If the bikes are as good as I hope, I think we are in with a strong chance of giving the Aussies a good run for their money.”