Irish interest in next month's World Championships in Edmonton looks set to be reduced further with news that Seamus Power is struggling with injury. The Clare runner broke through last month with the B standard over 10,000 metres but has gradually been reduced to a slow jog since.

The problem is a hip injury that has not responded to treatment or rest and has instead grown progressively worse.

"It is very disappointing for me," he said. "The injury first came on the week before the European Cup last month and now seems to be worse. All I can do now is slow jogging and I can't see myself running in the national championships at this stage."

The AAI intend to send every athlete with B standard qualifying times to Edmonton, provided they win the national championships in the specific event.

There is better news for the Irish team that leaves today for the European Under-23 championships, which take place in Amsterdam from Thursday to Sunday. Belfast's Gareth Turnbull reaffirmed his prospects as a medal contender over 5,000 metres with an impressive fourth place finish over 1,500 metres at the Cork City Sports last Saturday. Turnbull clocked 3:39.93 behind winner Mark Carroll.

Joining him in the men's team will be his St Malachy's team-mate Conor Sweeney (also over 1,500 metres), along with Mark Howard (200 metres) and Tomβs Coman (400 metres).

The women's team is even stronger, headed by Kilkenny's Emily Maher in the 100 and 200 metres. Derval O'Rourke is another medal prospect over 100 metre hurdles.

Completing the team are Ciara Sheehy (200 metres), Martina McCarthy (400 metres), Aoife Byrne (800 metres), Ann Marie Larkin (1,500 metres), Roisin McGettigan (2,000 metres steeplechase) and Eileen O'Keeffe (hammer).