The world 5,000 metres champion, who said after losing narrowly in Birmingham that he felt "heavy legged" and would leave a decision on his participation to his coach, Alberto Salazar, has been selected for the 3,000m.

He is joined in the 39-strong team by defending pentathlon world champion Jessica Ennis, Olympic 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu, pole-vault prodigy Holly Bleasdale, in-form high jumper Robbie Grabarz, high hurdler Tiffany Porter, triple jumper Yamilé Aldama and newly installed UK indoor long jump record-holder Shara Proctor.

Perri Shakes-Drayton, the European 400m hurdles bronze medallist who has yet to make an appearance indoors this winter after being forced out of the UK Indoor Trials with a minor hamstring strain, is included in the six-strong women's 4x400m relay squad.

Asha Philip, the former world youth 100m champion who leads the women's UK 60m rankings after clocking a lifetime best of 7.19sec in Birmingham, earns a place in the 60m, but the other selection goes to Jodie Williams, the world and European junior champion at 100m, rather than trials winner Jeanette Kwakye.


National indoor 60m hurdles champion Andy Pozzi (pictured), coached by Malcolm Arnold, is one of five new caps representing the GB and Northern Ireland senior team for the first time.

Andy Robertson in the 60m, Andrew Sutcliffe in the pole vault and JJ Jegede in the long jump have been selected on the proviso they attain the UK Athletics qualification standard by February 27.

UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee said: "This is a strong team and one that can realistically challenge for medals and make finals.

"There are some good athletes coming through and I am looking forward to seeing how they perform on the senior international stage.

"There have been some good performances during the indoor season which bodes well for Istanbul and beyond.

"The indoor season gives useful information about how athletes are progressing.

"It is important to remember the focus still remains on London 2012."

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