Dean Macey has insisted it's all systems go for the world championships - despite renewed fears that injury might force him to withdraw.

The Canvey decathlete was named in the British squad for next month's event in Canada on Tuesday.

But the gold medal hopeful, 23, admitted that his persistent hamstring problem had caused him to delay his departure for Edmonton.

And although the injury is responding well, the tear is serious enough to raise question marks over his participation.

Macey will now make a decision on Monday - the day before he is now due to fly out.

He stressed that he is "quietly confident" of being fit, but added that the injury couldn't have come at a worse time.

"It's a shame because this year had gone so well thus far," said Macey, who has been unable to run sprint drills this week and has swapped his running spikes for trainers as a precaution.

"I had been due to fly out on Friday but the extra four days might make all the difference. I'll make a decision then.

"If I do miss out there are other decathlons later, such as the Goodwill Games.

"But they're not what I trained for - the world championships is the one I want."

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