Commonwealth Games 2014: Athletes get Hampden taste

SCOTTISH athletes with their sights set on Hampden for Glasgow 2014 are ready for a national stadium ‘warm-up’ – when Gordon Strachan’s men take on Wales on Friday night.

Scottishathletics came up with the plan to try and ensure track and field stars like Eilidh Child could experience the atmosphere at the national stadium at a major event. And now, with help from the SFA, up to 14 wannabe Commonwealth Games medallists will attend the World Cup qualifier with scottishathletics director of coaching, Stephen Maguire, determined to give the Glasgow 2014 hopefuls the best available preparation – even 15 months from the Games.

Hearts fan Child has been to watch the Tynecastle club at Hampden in the past. But many of the other invited athletes have never been to the Glasgow venue, which will close to football later this year for its track and field makeover. “We are taking a group of Scottish athletes to Hampden for the Wales game and would like to thank the SFA for their 
co-operation,” said Maguire.

Child said: “I know everyone is looking forward to Hampden. I train with Dai Greene almost every day and it would be great to see us beat the Welsh.”