DAVID GILLICK’S hopes of successfully defending his European indoor 400m title in Birmingham next month were given a huge boost in Dusseldorf on Tuesday night when he posted the fastest time of the season at 45.99 secs for what was a significant victory.

David Gillick out-gunned home favourite David Canale to power home to 400 metres gold tonight in Madrid, and Ireland's first ever male sprint medal at the European Indoor Championships.

THE IRISH sprinters in action yesterday morning all made quick exits from the championships.