Team gold the aim for Gateshead's Murray

GATESHEAD HARRIER Ross Murray has just one thing on his mind in Brussels on Sunday and that's European Cross Country Championship team gold

The 18-year-old is part of a six-strong GB under-20 squad in Belgium, aiming beat the best Europe has to offer.

Murray confirmed his appearance this weekend with a battling fifth place finish at the McCain UK Cross Country Challenge trials in Liverpool.

And having represented Britain at both last year's European Championships in Spain and the World Championships in Edinburgh - Murray is looking for a top 15 finish.

"On a personal level the top 15 has to be a priority for me - I still have next year as a junior so to get into that bracket would put me in a great position to medal if I make the team in 2009," said Murray.

"I have the experience of going to the World Cross Country Championships and that will put me in good stead for when I get to Belgium.

"I like to say I have a winning mentality but when you go to a world event you have to be realistic and understand that the African guys are going to be faster than you and have better times.

"When you go to a European event, the competition is on a more even playing field and to do well in Belgium will mean a little bit more.

"But I really enjoy making teams and you can't turn down a GB vest. I have lined up a few more cross country events in the New Year before I start training for another busy track season."

Murray, who is looked after at Gateshead by John Stevenson, suffered a frustrating track season as Achilles trouble halted the teenager's progress.

But after hitting the track and gym hard during the winter - Murray is determined to hog the headlines this weekend.

"It should be good in Belgium, my winter has gone really well so far and I have had no injuries, touch wood," added Murray "Now is the time for me to continue moving up the junior ranks at big meets.

"I have been working on my speed a lot but still I have been disappointed with how I have performed this year to date.

"And if I work hard enough, I believe I can really push on and make an impact at a European and International level.

"My summer was affected by injury quite a bit and that meant I was further behind than I wanted to be. I had a bit of Achilles trouble and I was immediately a month behind.

"But the winter break has been good and he has helped me put things into perspective. My main aim at the Europeans is to help bring home team gold."