McKiernan expects Britton to rule Europe again

Fionnuala Britton’s decision to abandon the track this summer will not hinder her bid for a third consecutive European cross-country gold, believes Catherina McKiernan.

The 29-year-old decided to withdraw from the outdoor season as a chest infection, which had sidelined her through June and early July, failed to subside.

Far from being undercooked in the build-up to Sunday’s race in Belgrade, McKiernan, the inaugural European cross-country winner, said the summer layoff could work to Britton’s advantage.