Collins optimistic about Radcliffe

Radcliffe's participation in the marathon has been in doubt since it was confirmed she had suffered a stress fracture in her left femur back in May. However, the world record holder has managed to defy specialist advice that it would be impossible for her to compete in Beijing after returning to her training base in the Pyrenees to rehabilitate.

"I am more optimistic as time goes on. My crystal ball is, unfortunately, not working very well so I'll wait and see where we are but as things positively progress, that's good news," said Collins.

"It's (her arrival in Macau on Monday) conformation for me that she's making good progress.

"We'll have a look. We've given her the space and the time that I think her performance level deserves, we'll see her get here and again, we'll be watching progress and see what happens. That's what we've been doing all the way through.

Collins stressed the final say on Radcliffe's fitness would come down to a joint decision, although he refused to be drawn on what would happen if the lure of the Olympics proved too strong and she defied medical advice to compete.

He continued: "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

"It's a team effort. There are a lot of people involved in this, coaches, medics.

"You sit down and say where are we? Are you capable of doing yourself justice? If yes, you've earned the place, take it."