Campbell lifted by Chambers

Campbell has been told to prove his fitness

Darren Campbell has been boosted by the support of English sprint rival Dwain Chambers as he bids to confirm his place at this month's Commonwealth Games.

Campbell's presence is still in doubt after a virus affected his performance at the Commonwealth trials in June.

He was given the discretional third spot in the 200m, but has to prove his fitness between now and the start of the Games on 25 July.

And he revealed a message from Britain's number one sprinter has kept his spirits high.

Campbell said: "Dwain was the first guy to text me after the Manchester trials, telling me to keep the head up. That kind of thing means a lot."

Campbell gets Commonwealth nod

A good performance at the Norwich Union Trials & AAA Championships on 13-14 July would seal Campbell's Commonwealth spot.

Places in the squad for August's European Championships are also up for grabs at the Birmingham meeting.

And Campbell, a 200m silver medalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, is confident he can produce his best form.

"I'm ready to explode in Birmingham - it comes at just the right time forme," he added.

Event guide: The sprints

"I'm not going to take anything away from Dwain - he's running extremely well- but I still want to be the best in the world.

"I listen to all the run-downs on the TV and radio at the moment and my nameis not getting mentioned.

"That doesn't bother me. I've been written off on numerous occasions but, if you look at my record, nine out of ten times I deliver at major championships."

"It ain't over till the fat lady sings."