Celtic Cup gets McConnell backing

Lee McConnell will captain Scotland at the Celtic Cup

Lee McConnell believes next month's Celtic Cup will provide a perfect platform for young athletes to get a foothold on the sport's main stage.

McConnell will run the 200m as Scotland compete with Ireland and Wales at the Grangemouth Stadium on 31 July.

"You don't get an opportunity to run for Scotland very often so it's great this has been added in," she said.

"It's also a great opportunity for the youngsters to get experience and compete against elite athletes."

This year's tournament will also feature guest stars such as Bath sprinter Jason Gardener and Australian Craig Mottram, who will run the mile.

McConnell won the 200m last year as Scotland lifted the trophy in its inaugural year.

And she is in good form, having won the individual 400m and 4x400m relay in Vaasa, Finland, last weekend as Great Britain's women gained promotion to the European Cup Super League.

The 28-year-old is a fan of team events, believing they can inspire individuals to greater personal achievements.

"They are good for team spirit because you're not just competing for yourself, which is what you do throughout the year. You compete for other people," she added.

"If you are at a major championships you wear a British vest and people support each other but ultimately you are doing it for yourself.

"The only people you are out on the track with are your competitors and you are out to beat them.

"Making it a team sport makes it more fun and more enjoyable.

"Hopefully this year I'll be able to watch the other events - last year I got dragged off for a drug test. Hopefully I'll be able to cheer them on."

McConnell will be out to break Sandra Whittaker's 23-year-old Scottish record, which stands at 22.98 seconds, if there is no repeat of the strong winds which hit the event last year.