BOLTON runner Stuart Stokes stormed back into track action by qualifying for next year's Commonwealth Games in his first outing for almost two years.

The 3,000m steeplechase star, who finished fourth at the last Commonwealth Games in Manchester, will compete for England in Australia next March as long as there are no major surprises at next month's trials.

Stuart has suffered a miserable run of luck with injuries over the last year.

Last season was a complete write-off due to a foot injury which caused him to repeatedly break down in training.

He eventually gave in to the injury and had an operation to repair the problem Achilles tendon in October and he spent the next five months slowly building up his training until he was fully recovered.

He returned to the track in Milan last week and, despite naturally being eager not to push himself too hard, he became the first Englishman to better the Commonwealth Games qualifying time of 8mins 40 secs.

Now the Bradshaw runner needs only to finish in the first three at the Games' trials at the Regional Athletics Arena in Manchester on July 9/10, to book his ticket for Melbourne in March.

Stuart, whose only financial support for his athletics achievements comes from his parents, who provide cash for food and accommodation in London, and Bolton company, K2 Conservatory Roof Systems, who have provided a car, has his sights set on the World Championships in Finland later this year.

He needs to run the faster qualifying time of 8:32 six seconds quicker than he ran in Milan last week to represent Great Britain in the World Championships in Helsinki in August, a target he feels capable of reaching.

"The way my training has been going, I should make that qualifying time," he said.

"I normally run 15 seconds quicker during the season than I do before the season which stands me in good stead for the World Championships."

His immediate feelings, however, are of relief and joy at making a successful return to the track after his lengthy injury absence.

"Last week's race was my first since 2003 and it is really pleasing to have come through it unscathed and with the Commonwealth Games qualifying time under my belt.

"Having the time so early in the season takes a lot of pressure off me and puts pressure on the other runners who are trying to qualify.

"Now I just have to come through the trials in Manchester in one piece."

Stuart lives and trains in London where he is coached by former Olympic Games steeplechase bronze medallist, Mark Rowland, and his training partner is Michael East, who won the gold medal in the 1,500m at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

He spent two months prior to the start of the summer season training in Morocco, which he paid for with the earnings from training youngsters part time while he was recovering from injury.

"That training went really well and I'm pretty sure there's a lot more to come this season.

"I have been picked for the team for the European Cup on June 17 and 18 in Florence, which will be a great opportunity for me to get the qualifying time for the World Championships."