Burton sets early 2012 judo goal

Burton was disappointed to miss out on a medal in Beijing

Scotland's Euan Burton is aiming to start his preparations for London 2012 with a strong showing at this weekend's European Judo Championships.

Edinburgh-based Burton won European bronze in 2007 but was part of a disappointing showing by the GB Olympic judo team in Beijing.

"The coaches feel that in the past we chased results and haven't peaked for major events," he told BBC Sport.

"This is a major event but the final goal is Olympic medals in 2012."

The middle weights are so strong that there are 10 or 12 people who could win

Euan Burton

Great Britain has sent a 12-strong team to Tbilisi, Georgia, including Sarah Clark, who has moved down to the -57kg category after the Beijing Olympics.

And Burton believes she is capable of winning her second European gold, after winning medals in her first two tournaments at the lower weight.

Fellow Olympians Craig Fallon and Peter Cousins will not feature as they are both recovering from injuries.

Burton was disappointed to miss out on a medal in Beijing, where a loss to Brazilian 2007 world champion Tiago Camilo saw him denied the chance to fight for bronze.

He spent much of the winter out of action after shoulder surgery and admits he is not in prime shape for the -81kg event, which takes place in on Saturday.

"If I put in a great performance but come away without a medal then the most important thing is to feel I'm going forward," he said.

"The middle weights are so strong that there are 10 or 12 people who could win."