Doyle hopes to go one better in Belgrade

Eilidh doylE reckons taking a step back in time can help her make huge strides forward after she bolted to the 400 metres title at the UK indoor Championships last night.

it sealed the Scot’s spot at next month’s European Championships in Belgrade where she’ll aim to beat the silver in 2013 that propelled her towards the hurdles elite.

‘That was my best season to date so we thought we’d replicate that this year,’ doyle (right) said. ‘i didn’t do it in 2016 because i got married late in the year and it was all a bit of a rush. This time we planned it and it’s helped my confidence massively.’

Guy learmonth sealed his European spot by cruising to victory in the 800m but he reckons there’s more in the tank.

‘i do feel in 1:46 shape but i wasn’t quite there,’ the Borderer said. ‘But it was job done this weekend. Now i want to run really fast in Birmingham next weekend ahead of Belgrade in March.’ Eilish McColgan and Steph Twell are also Euro-bound after their one-two in the 3000m. But Allan Smith will need to chase the high jump qualifying standard of 2.28m this week, despite regaining the domestic title in a three-way scrap with Robbie Grabarz and Chris Kandu. Meanwhile, Andy Butchart set a Scottish best over two miles of 8.12.63 to come third at the Millrose Games in New york, while lynsey Sharp was also third in the 800m. however with neither requesting an exemption from the trials, it is understood both will skip the Europeans despite impressive American campaigns.