Athletics: Kluft's presence boosts Britons' Games rehearsal

The Olympic, world and European heptathlon champion Carolina Kluft will compete in the Norwich Union International match in Glasgow this month.

The 22-year-old will spearhead Sweden's challenge for victory as they tackle Great Britain, Italy, Russia and a Commonwealth select side at Kelvin Hall on 28 January.

The Scandinavian athlete is scheduled to compete in the long jump alongside the British No 1 Jade Johnson, who is expected to be named in the Norwich Union home side.

The Swedish record holder will definitely meet Kelly Sotherton, whom she beat for the European Indoor pentathlon title last March in Madrid.

The British multi-eventer and Olympic heptathlon bronze medallist has already been chosen for the Commonwealth team, appearing courtesy of a £25,000 investment by Event Scotland.

Attracting a crowd-puller like Kluft, who last year appeared at the Boston Indoor Games rather than in Glasgow, is a massive coup for the organisers.

The meeting director, Ian Stewart, said: "It's no secret we were keen to persuade Kluft to come over for the match and it's a source of great satisfaction that she will do so. I don't think anyone who watched her win the Olympic gold and then the world title last year is in any doubt she is one of the biggest names in the sport."

Kluft's presence will be a massive challenge for Gillian Cooke, Scotland's leading long jumper, who is competing as a guest at the match in preparation for the Commonwealth Games.

Cooke said: "With only a couple of months to go until Melbourne, it's important that I get the best competition possible. The Commonwealth Games will be very tough. But I'm going do my utmost to get the best preparation I can, and Glasgow will be a great start."