How much longer for Edwards?

Edwards does not plan to begin his summer season until the Norwich Union Super League meeting in Gateshead on 13 July.

The 37-year-old, who has won the triple jump at the Europa Cup six times, has informed the British selectors of his decision not to compete at the event in Florence on 21-22 June.

"I'm not ready for the cup. Just recently, I haven't been very well," said Edwards.

"That means I haven't managed to put in enough training to do justice to the team or myself and I so far I haven't had a competition."

Edwards also feels it is time to give younger UK triple jumpers are the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

"I'm sure Phillips Idowu would be a natural replacement and easily capable of winning the event," said Edwards of the 2000 Olympic Games finalist.

Idowu eyes Edwards showdown

Last month Idowu, 24, said he aimed to replace his older rival as British number one this year.

Cram tips Edwards for Athens

Christian Olsson - who defeated both Edwards and Idowu for last August's European title - could prove the man to beat in Gateshead.

But Olsson refuses to ignore the threat posed by Edwards season.

"I know too much about Jonathan to write him off for this season," he said.

"He will be a massive threat as ever. It will be a great boost however to take him on in his hometown. It will be a fantastic competition."