Richard Goodman showed that he is back to his best with a storming performance at the European Cross Country trials in Liverpool.

Competing in his first year in the under-23 age group, Goodman placed fourth overall, and was the second finisher aged under-23, in the 9.8km Great Britain & Northern Ireland team selection race.

He finished in 29:11, 24 seconds behind overall winner Andy Vernon and seven seconds behind U23 victor Jonathan Hay, and now goes on to contest the European U23 Championship in Belgrade on December 8.

Goodman said: "Conditions were perfect and the pace was fast from the start. Andy Vernon broke away from the field early on and I found myself at the head of the chasing group.

"My main aim was to demonstrate form and secure a place on the team. After what amounts to almost two years blighted by injury, I’m very happy to have achieved this goal."