Smyth beat 2004 Olympic silver medallist Francis Obikwelu last month

European Championships-bound Jason Smyth is likely to miss this weekend's Irish Championships as a precaution because of a hamstring niggle.

Smyth's training has been hampered over the last three weeks by a nerve problem affecting his hamstring.

Regular physio has significantly improved the injury but his fitness is unlikely to be risked at Santry.

"The 100m this weekend has three rounds and the medical advice is that I should give it a miss," said Smyth.

"If it was one or two rounds, I would probably race but three rounds might be a bit risky with Barcelona coming up in a couple of weeks.

"I had the problem after the European Cup three weeks ago.

"It's improved massively over the last week or so but this weekend is probably a wee bit soon to race - particularly with the three rounds.

"At this stage, the plan is to have a race next week although we are not sure where but the intention is to get in a race before the European Championships."

Smyth's lack of recent races has almost certainly scuppered his hopes of doubling up in Barcelona.

He has improved his Northern Ireland 100m record to 10.32 - in addition to clocking a wind-assisted 10.27 in Budapest - but he has not had the opportunity in recent weeks to chase the 200m standard of 21.00.

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