HATTI Dean said a slight hip injury led to her withdrawing from the European Team Championships in Stockholm at the weekend.

Dean was due to represent Great Britain in the 3,000m steeplechase, but withdrew from the team on Wednesday after suffering a minor injury in training.

However, the 29-year-old says she is not too concerned about the problem, and is adamant that she will compete in the UK Championships and world trials in Birmingham next mon-th.

She said: “It was just a little niggle. I was told it was a minor problem, so I was just being cautious really.

“It was a shame to miss out, but it was the right decision.

“It’s still not quite right, but the physios tell me it’s just a minor tear and something that will be absolutely fine when it’s fully healed.”

Dean said she received support after pulling out just 24 hours before she was due to fly out.

“It was my decision, but it was aided by physio reprots and everyone else involved said it was the right decision.

“I may have to miss the Birmingham Diamond League meeting, but want to compete at the UK Championships.

“It all depends on how my hip reacts to training.”