Carroll to take advantage of Lombard absence

MARK CARROLL will chase the 5,000m title in the absence of defending champion Cathal Lombard at the Woodies DIY National Track and Field Championships at Morton Stadium this weekend.

The Corkman could also take on Ireland’s newest sensation Alistair Cragg in pursuit of a double in the 1,500m. Cragg, who has put an outstanding US collegiate career behind him, will make his first competitive appearance in Ireland in the 1,500m at Santry and he said yesterday he was looking forward to it.

“I am a bit nervous about it,” he said. “But I am looking forward to having a good run. Training has been going good and I am getting used to running over here.”