SPOTY win is a dream: Rea

CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE Martin O’Neill, world champion boxer Ryan Burnett, fellow fighter Jamie Conlan and North West 200 winner Glenn Irwin.

Members of Ulster’s 1999 European Cup winning rugby team were also in the audience, helping to raise funds for the Mary Peters Trust and Sport Changes Life charities, both aiding the development of young talent, the Trust through sport and SCL through sporting educational opportunities,

The Rory McIlroy Foundation, which has aided both, was also represented. Pals: Jonathan Rea and Glenn Irwin at Waterfront yesterday BRITISH number two Aljaz Bedene intends to represent his native Slovenia in the new year.

The 28-year-old, who lives in London, became a British citizen in March 2015 and among home players the world number 49 is only behind Andy Murray in the men’s professional rankings.

He has fought an unsuccessful battle to be eligible for Britain in the Davis Cup and he admits that a desire to compete in that event, plus the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020, played a big part in this latest move.

He wrote on Facebook: “I want Ambition: Aljaz Bedene is keen to play in the 2020 Olympics

to share with you that I have informed the ITF (International Tennis Federation) of my intention to represent Slovenia, my country of birth, from January 1, 2018. One of my main goals for my career going forward will be to play in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

“I have proudly called Britain my home for the last nine years and so many people there have made me feel welcome both in the UK and abroad.

“I am also particularly grateful for the support the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) has shown me in that time and in fighting my case for the GB Davis Cup eligibility.

“It was a dream of mine to be able to compete for a country that has given me so much in the Davis Cup.”