Cragg begins title defence in Birmingham

Ireland's Alistair Cragg will take the first step to defending his European Indoor 3000 metres title at Birmingham's National Indoor Arena this morning.

The South African-born 26-year-old is in first round action on the opening day at the 2007 European Indoor Championships.

He competes in just over an hour's time, along with his Ireland team-mates Mark Carroll and Mark Christie.

Cragg's main rivals for gold this weekend are European 5000m champion Jesus Espana from Spain and Britain's own Mo Farah, the reigning European cross country champion. He faces both men in today's heats.

Heralded as one of Ireland's main medal hopes, Cragg knows the pressure will be on to repeat his winning performance of two years ago in Madrid.

"The (Achilles) injury has gone, but I've had to come back slowly. I'm not really race-fit, but I'm healthy and I have a lot to prove," he said.

"It'll be a tough race. Bouabdellah Tahri (from France) is a great performer, as is the Spaniard (Espana) and there's the home town favourite Mo Farah. They're all in great shape and I'm sure everyone wants to win this one."

Looking to this morning heat, he commented: "I don't like time-trialling. I like championships and tactically I hope I can come into my own. I wouldn't be racing if I didn't think I can win it and out-kick them."