NATHAN Douglas may have a sixth national title in his sights, but qualifying for the European Championships is the No 1 priority.

The Oxford City AC triple jumper takes to the runway at the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, today knowing he is well on the way to Berlin.

Having achieved the qualifying standard of 16.60m back in February, Douglas just needs a top-two finish at the British Championships this afternoon to secure his place on the plane.

The 35-year-old had set the European Championships, which take place from August 7-12, as one of his main goals for 2018.

And Douglas, a silver medallist at the event in 2006, is determined to make the team for a fourth time – even if it means missing out on the top step of the podium today.

“A sixth title would be brilliant, it’s always nice to be British champion,” said Douglas, whose previous victories came in 2004-07 and 2016.

“But the main aim is to qualify for the European Championships.

“I have to be in the top two and then it’s out of the selectors’ hands.”

He added: “I’m looking forward to it, it’s always nice to go to the British Championships.

“I’m keeping my fingers crossed the weather stays as it is. The hotter the better – I’m hoping for blazing sunshine.

“I’ve got some friends and family coming.

“It’s always nice to have that home support, so I’m looking forward to it more than usual.”

Douglas finished fifth at the Commonwealth Games in April and has competed twice since.

He was runner-up at the BIG Jumps & Throws Fest Open in Bedford, before winning the Meeting National à thème Envol Trophée in Pierre-Benite, France.

Douglas said: “I’ve had a couple of competitions which have been fairly average, but it’s been OK – I feel good and ready to go.”

He is one of nine Oxfordshire athletes competing in Birmingham.

Three-time national champion Hannah England goes in the 1500m heats today.

Her Oxford City clubmates Alice Hopkins and Jade O’Dowda have a busy weekend ahead of them as they both line up in the 100m hurdles and long jump.

Abingdon AC’s Ben Claridge and Radley AC’s Tara Kafke are both in 400m action.

City’s Gemma Bridge competes in the 5,000m race walk tomorrow, following the discus which includes Radley’s Luisa Chantler-Edmond and Kathryn Woodcock.

Douglas is enthused to see so many other local athletes competing on the national stage.

He said: “It’s great to see them coming through and hopefully they will be able to make that next step.

“Sometimes it’s a difficult step from junior to senior – it’s a different level.

“It’s fantastic to see Oxford City coming to the fore again.”