Jason Harvey: NI 400m hurdler runs best time this year

Jason Harvey will be competing at the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships

Northern Ireland hurdler Jason Harvey feels he is peaking perfectly in the build-up to the Commonwealth Games after a season's best run on Saturday.

The 23-year-old, running for Liverpool Harriers, clocked 50.79 seconds in winning the 400m hurdles at a British League meeting at Copthall, London.

Harvey has also qualified to run for Ireland in the European Championships in Zurich.

However, he has two races before the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Harvey expects to be up against Irish champion Tom Barr from Waterford in Friday evening's Morton Games at Santry Stadium.

Then he plans to compete in the Irish National Senior Championships before heading to Scotland.

Harvey feels his preparations for the Commonwealths have gone well and is relishing the opportunity to race at two major championships this summer.

"Saturday's run has given me confidence because it was very windy and I feel I could go faster in flat conditions," he said.

"If could run a personal best in Glasgow, say 49.6 or 49.7, that could be enough for a place in the final.

"I do not see why I cannot get to the final. I just need the conditions and the right guys to race against.

"I feel I am peaking perfectly."

British League Premier Division 400 metres hurdles result: 1 Jason Harvey (Liverpool H/Crusaders/Ireland) 50.79; 2 Paul Byrne (St Abbans/Ireland) 51.91; 3 Steven Garrett (City of Sheffield/East Anglia University) 52.38.