McIlroy has had a number of disappointing runs this summer

McIlroy has struggled for form this summer and his latest outing saw him dropping out of a race in Cuxhaven in Germany last Friday.

Recent tests have also revealed that McIlroy has a sinus problem which may have contributed to poor recent runs.

McIlroy had a hugely disappointing Commonwealth Games in March.

After improving his Northern Ireland 800 metres record to an impressive 1:44.65, McIlroy headed into the Melbourne Games as an apparent medal contender.

However, he suffered a chastening experience in Australia when he failed to event make the final.

It's possible that McIlroy may have surgery to attempt to correct the sinus problem later this year.

However, he also hasn't ruled out running a number of races later this summer.

However given that he has produced no decent form this year, it appears highly unlikely that the British selectors will opt to pick him for the European Championships in Gothenburg.

Paul Brizzel and in-form javelin thrower Michael Allen will be among a small contingent of Northern Ireland athletes competing in the AAA's Championships.

Allen improved his Northern Ireland record to an excellent 79.55m last month and was again over 78 metres in Denmark last weekend.

The in-form Allen looks in the kind of form that could challenge Commonwealth Champion Nick Neiland in this weekend's event.

Brizzel will run the 200m while other local athletes travelling to Manchester include Laura Kerr (javelin) and Rhiannon McNally (hammer).