LEE MERRIEN, winner of the Richard Burton Salver at this week’s sports awards night, is set for more international recognition.

The distance runner is to add an England vest to his Great Britain one won at the end of 2008, when he runs in Italy later this month.

‘The race is called Cinque Mulini, which means the five windmills I understand. This is a very good international race with a lot of history behind it.

‘I had to turn down two England vest opportunities recently due to other committments but I am now able to go to Italy for this one.’

Merrien had to withdraw from last week’s televised Bupa Great Edinburgh International run because of a stomach bug, but has returned to training and has set his eyes on being in peak form for the World Cross Trials in March.

He also has a new coach, as he explained on his new blog  www.leemerrien.blogspot.com