Athlete Dai Greene a major doubt for European championship

Dai Greene struggled to fifth place in the semi final of the 400m hurdles in Glasgow 2014

Dai Greene says he is unlikely to compete in the European Championships after failing to defend his Commonwealth Games 400m hurdles crown.

The 28-year-old former world champion finished fifth in the semi-final at Hampden Park on Wednesday morning.

Greene was European champion in 2010, but says he will probably miss August's event in Zurich.

"I needed to get the qualifying standard. I'm just not fit enough really," he said.

The Welshman had been due to go to the Euros, but has struggled for form after having three hernia operations in 2013.

The semi-final at the Commonwealth Games was just his second race of the season.

"I was obviously provisionally selected for the Europeans, but it's unlikely I'll be going there now," he admitted.

Greene added that four months before the Glasgow games he had not expected to be competing.

"I wanted to come out," he said. "I didn't want to watch from home and sadly it's not to be.

"It's been frustrating but I'm happy to have given it a shot, and the atmosphere and support I've had to get here has been fantastic."

Greene enjoyed two golden seasons in 2010 and 2011 when he won the Commonwealth, world and European titles.

He missed out on a medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and was injured for most of 2013.

Greene recently won on his return to competition, but looked short of fitness at Glasgow, and faded badly on the home straight.

"I did want to make the final but I just ran out of steam and that's the specific work I'm missing and these guys made me pay today," he added.

"I knew I was playing catch-up from a few months ago and to be honest I didn't expect to be here four months ago," added Greene.

"I was always going to be here and give it my best, but sadly, it was not to be."