Asafa Powell set to run Birmingham Indoor Grand Prix

Powell was the fastest man in the world over 100m between 2005-2008

Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell will make his British indoor debut at the Birmingham Grand Prix on 18 February.

Powell has not ran an indoor 60m race since 2004 but believes a change in his competition schedule could give him the edge at the 2012 Olympics.

"My coach and I think doing an indoor season is the best move," said Powell.

"If I'm going to be challenging for medals I need to be racing the best people and the calibre of athletes [at Birmingham] has always been strong."

The 29-year-old former 100m world record holder, who will be based in the city next summer ahead of the London Games with the rest of the Jamaincan squad, has clocked the most sub 10-second races in history.

"I can't quite believe this will be my first time competing indoors in the UK," he said.

"I've competed outdoors there so many times and I actually broke the [100m] world record in the UK so I have good memories of my time there."

Powell missed the World Championships in August through injury so was unable to continue his battle with countrymen Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake.

The Jamaican runner, who has never won an individual gold medal, said: "It's not long now until the Games so every minute counts.

"When I get out onto that track in Birmingham I'm determined to put on a show. Hopefully everyone's going to see something really special."