Charlie Grice believes he’s ready to mix it with the best after a comfortable qualification to the 1500m final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The 20-year old Brighton Phoenix athlete is appearing at his first major senior event, having won silver at last year’s European under-23 Championships and bronze at the Youth Olympics four years ago.

But he showed no fear despite the step up in class, getting his tactics spot on in a cagey heat in which he crossed the line in second in 3:40.09.

However, tonight’s final is likely to be another step into the unknown for the Jon Bigg coached athlete, who has his 3:35.39 personal best in his sights.

“I felt really good out there and it was a nice and easy qualification,” said Grice.

“I just wanted to get top four really and nail the position and we all finished quite close to each other.

“I felt really good leading up to the race – I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in, so it’s going to be good in the final.

“I’m going to go as hard as I can – in 1500m running anything can happen and it’s going to be tactical.

“I need to make sure I’m in the right spots – I’ve just got to be patient and who knows, maybe I can PB.”

But there were contrasting emotions for Lee Emanuel, who competed in the 5,000m four years ago in Delhi.

He faded on the final lap on his heat and admitted his tactics were to blame for a lacklustre 11th place.

Commonwealth Games England (CGE) leads and manages the participation of the Team England at the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games. We work with sports, Sponsors and Sport England to support the development of athletes and their sports, and to achieve success at Games-time.