IEUAN Thomas is set to put all his eggs in one basket as he pursues a place in the Great Britain squad for next month’s World Championships.

The 27-year-old from Pontypool came third in the 3000m steeplechase at last weekend’s team trials but failed to achieve the qualifying ‘A’ standard set by British Athletics.

However, given his podium finish and the fact that up to three athletes could be picked for the event, Thomas may yet get the nod from the British selectors.

Should he run 8:32.00mins or faster before the final selection meeting on July 24 then Thomas stands a very strong chance of forcing his way into the team for London.

Rob Mullett and Zak Seddon confirmed their places in the team in Birmingham on Saturday by finishing first and second respectively.

Assessing what he needs to do, Thomas said: “I’ve still got a good chance. I just need to find a race that’s going to be quick enough to help me run the time.

“If I can do that then it stands me in good stead and puts me in a great position with the selectors.

“I could go and run as many times as I want between now and the final selection meeting to try and get the ‘A’ standard.

“But, realistically, I’ll probably only have one opportunity to go for it, and there’s not a huge amount going on in Europe in the next three weeks.

“Luckily, my coach (James Thie) has got some good connections and will be able to see what’s out there for me.

“It’s looking like I’m going to have one shot, maybe next week or the week after.”

He added: “Given I finished third at the British Championships and I’ve been really consistent this season, it’s still possible the selectors could pick me even if I don’t have the time.

“But it would be very hard for them to justify picking me if I haven’t got the ‘A’ standard, and age is against me.

“I’m only 27 but in athletics terms I’m getting on a bit. I’m not seen as an athlete that they could send for the experience because I’ve got a couple of Olympic cycles to develop.

“So I just have to go out there and put in a strong performance, one that the selectors will take notice of.”

Thomas could tell very early on in Saturday’s race that it wasn’t going to be fast enough for him to have a crack at the qualifying time.

And it was very much a case of mixed emotions for him after crossing the line.

“I was happy to finish third but also disappointed with the pace of the race,” he said.

“It was a slow affair and I could tell about 150 metres in that the ‘A’ standard wouldn’t be possible.

“It was a typical tactical championship race where everyone was looking at each other and no-one wanted to up the tempo.

“When that happens all you’re focused on is winning and I was in a good position with around 500 metres to go, but I wasn’t quite close enough when Rob made his big move.

“I finished really strongly and so should have backed myself to take it on earlier.”