REIGNING Commonwealth Games 400m hurdles champion Dai Greene says he will be fit to defend his title in Glasgow next month, writes Andrew Penman.

The former world champion will miss this weekend’s British Championships in Birmingham but is certain that he will be up and running by the time the Games begin on July 23.

The Carmarthenshire hurdler, who has been plagued with injuries since 2012, is also confident of proving his fitness for the European Championships in Zurich in August.

The 28-year-old has undergone three hernia operations and is yet to race this summer but he believes he can repeat his memorable European and Commonwealth double of 2010.

“I plan to race at the start of July,” said Greene. “I won’t be at the trials this weekend because they have come a bit too soon.

“I need to get a qualifying time for the European Championships by July 14, so hopefully I will be out on the track before then.

"I have had my fair share of bad luck recently,” he added. “At the start of 2012 was the last time I raced thinking I was fully fit.

“But I am just grateful I am fit and healthy again and feeling as good as I have for the last couple of years.”

Greene says the Commonwealths are special for all the Welsh athletes.

“You don’t get to run for Wales very often which makes it even sweeter and the Games are in Scotland this time so you get more support,” he said.

“I am also defending champion so it’s a good position to be in because I have won it before.

“I have dreamed of winning the gold medal again and would love to repeat that. It is tougher now but I will give it my best shot.”

Greene was talking in Cardiff’s city centre at an event to mark 20 years of National Lottery funding to sport.