Harry Aikines-Aryeetey has done his homework ahead of World Indoors

From David Jordan, Sportsbeat, in Doha

 FORMER world junior champion Harry Aikines-Aryeetey insists history is on his side as he bids to mark his World Athletics Indoor Championships debut by taking to the podium in Doha.

THINKING BIG: Former world junior champion Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is convinced he knows exactly what it will take to reach the podium in Doha (Getty Images)

The 21-year-old Sutton & District sprinter clocked a lifetime best 6.55 seconds to secure his place on the plane alongside British number one Dwain Chambers in the showpiece 60m event.

Aikines-Aryeetey, who won 100m and 200m World Youth gold in 2005, was just 0.05 behind Chambers, who clocked 6.50, the second fastest time in the world this year.

Chambers will be among the favourites for a medal in Doha with his biggest challenge coming from across the pond where Olympic-bronze medallist Walter Dix is among a four-strong US contingent.

The USA also have the fastest man in the world this year, Ivory Williams, in their squad but after swatting up on what it takes to medal at the World Indoors Aikines-Aryeetey is adamant he can force his way on the podium.

"I've being doing my research into the World Indoors and I think I have to be in the top five or six as a minimum," he said.

"About 6.65 normally makes the final or maybe 6.63 if it is getting quick, that's what I have noticed.

"And then the medal places are usually in the 6.50s, a bronze medal is normally won in 6.54 so if I can shave a tenth off then that could be me.

"You have to bring in a lot of other factors though: the Americans are going to be there and lots of other top names as well.

"So I'm just focusing on making the final, that has to be the first priority and if I'm in there then I'll be going for a medal."

Chambers' presence along with Craig Pickering and former Olympic relay gold medallist Mark Lewis-Francis helped Aikines-Aryeetey clock a new personal best in Sheffield.

And while the Sutton sprinter is desperate to impress in the Middle East he admits his main objective for the season has always been earning a place in the GB-squad bound for the European Championships this summer.

"When you look at British sprinting now we have such a great strength in depth," he added.

"I think we have five or six of the best sprinters in Europe and we are going to win a gold medal at the European Championships I am certain.

"We have Dwain, Simeon [Williamson], Tyrone [Edgar] and Craig while Mark Lewis-Francis is coming back as well so we have a lot of strength.

"I'm in shape to run a personal best for the 100m, I think someone from Britain will run sub ten seconds for the first time this year and I just hope it is me.

"It's about being the quickest you can be, that's the aim of the game and right now in this country there is a lot of competition.

"I think it helps, I think it will probably be easier to win a medal at the Europeans than it will be to get into the British team to go there."

Aviva has been proud to have helped and supported the Aviva GB & NI junior, senior and disability teams as they prepare for all major events and championships since 1999. Visit www.aviva.co.uk/athletics for more information