Glasgow 2014: Gymnast Alex Hedges to captain Isle of Man

The Commonwealth Games is the highest level at which a Manx sportsman or woman can represent the island.

Gymnast Alex Hedges will captain the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games team in Glasgow next month.

The 27-year-old will be appearing at his third Games having previously competed in Melbourne and Delhi.

Hedges, who made the overall final at both his previous Games, said it was an "unbelievable honour" to captain the 46-strong Manx team.

Meanwhile shooter Tim Kneale has been chosen to carry the Manx flag at the opening ceremony.

Hedges, who has also competed at the 2004 Commonwealth Youth Games in Bendigo, Australia, added: "To captain the Manx team will top all my previous achievements.

"I will do everything I can to help the team. There will be an unbelievable atmosphere in Glasgow and I can't wait."

Kneale won a bronze medal for the Isle of Man at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi

Shooter Kneale, 31, set a new world record last week for his double trap event at the Munich World Cup in Germany.

He said: "There will be more people in the stadium than the entire population of the Isle of Man at the opening ceremony - it will be mind-blowing.

"I will be very proud," added Kneale who won a bronze medal in Delhi four years ago.

"To carry our symbol with the rest of the world watching will be an amazing feeling."

Kneale will continue his preparations this week at the European championships in Budapest.

Team manager Trevor Taubman said: "We are delighted with our choices.

"Alex is a hugely experienced competitor and has great pedigree which will help the whole team.

"Tim is in incredible form and is ranked number one in Britain for his event - he is a serious medal contender in Glasgow and perfect to carry the Manx flag."

Forty-six athletes, including former Commonwealth cycling gold medallists Mark Cavendish and Olympic gold medallist Peter Kennaugh, will compete in nine of the 17 sports.

The Commonwealth Games is the highest level at which a Manx sportsman or woman can represent the island.