Rutherford braced for trials test

Rutherford jumped 8.13 m for European silver last season

Greg Rutherford will seek World Championship qualification next week by claiming the UK title in Manchester.

The 20-year-old Milton Keynes long jumper faces a showdown at the Norwich Union World Trials with British record holder Chris Tomlinson at Sport City.

Rutherford has suffered a series of injuries since winning silver at last year's European Championships.

But he said: "I would only have entered the trials if I believed I could win, which I am quietly confident of doing."

Rutherford was forced to retire from the Norwich Union International in Birmingham last August with ankle problems and despite undergoing a series of pain-killing injections, he later required surgey in February.

I've proved I can produce big jumps when it matters Greg Rutherford

He suffered another setback this season when he sprained his left ankle in June, but now hopes to return to competion without any distractions.

"This will be a crucial event for me as it is the selection for Osaka," Rutherford said.

"I have had a mixed 12 months having come off the high of winning silver at the Europeans last August to having then been blighted by injury.

"I'm only now looking at competing for the first time this year at next week's trials.

606: DEBATE How do you think GB will fare in Osaka?

"Winning the European silver was the highlight of my career and I've proved I can produce big jumps when it matters.

"I aim to qualify for the Worlds and will go in with confidence in my fitness and ability. Once there, I aim to win my second major international medal."

Tomlinson has already broken his own British record this season, when he jumped 8.29m earlier this month which also exceeded the qualification standard for Osaka.