Olympic silver medallist Iwan Thomas is backing Martyn Rooney to not only break his long-standing British 400m record this year – but also scoop European gold.

Despite claiming world 4x400m silver last year Rooney spent the majority of 2009 with a hamstring injury that saw him run a season best of just 45.35seconds.

It was a far cry from the personal best of 44.60seconds he set during the 400m semi-finals at the Olympics in 2008 where he eventually went on to finish sixth.

At 23, Rooney is now at the same age as when former world, European and Commonwealth champion Thomas set a new British mark of 44.36seconds in 1997.

Rooney came within 0.24seconds of it in Beijing and Thomas believes with a busy summer incorporating the European Championships and Commonwealth Games ahead his 13-year dominance will come to an end.

“Every year I watch and see if anyone can get close to my record and Martyn should get it this year,” said Thomas.

“It has been long enough now and he has definitely got the talent and I would like to see him get it.

“I did it when I was 23 in Birmingham and in athletics you should take your opportunities when you can.

“I remember when I was young I always thought I had years to come but injuries happen and before you know it you never run again.

“I think whenever you get an opportunity you need to take it and I think this year Martyn should become European champion as well.

“That is a great title to have and it will open a lot of doors from him and it will give him some confidence as well.”

As well as individual 400m European gold Thomas has warned Rooney he must repeat the trick in the relay with Britain last failing to pick up a medal back in 1978.

Britain have won 4x400m relay gold five times from seven attempts since then and Thomas – who was part of the 1998 winning team – admits he’ll be on Rooney’s case should they mess up.

“You have always got to look at the relay, traditionally it is the last event at a major championships and it is exciting and in Britain we have always been good at it,” he added.

“And just because someone doesn’t make an individual final in the 400m they have still got a massive part to play.

“The 4x400m team did well last year and Britain have a rich history at the Europeans. There will be pressure because the old boys like myself and Roger Black will be watching and angry if we don’t win.”

* Lloyds TSB National School Sport Week takes place from 28 June – 2 July 2010. To find out more visit www.lloydstsb.com/london2012 or to register visit www.schoolsportweek.org