IRISH athletes will welcome the opportunity to test their abilities at the annual World Cross Country Challenge at Mallusk, north of Belfast, today.

The Mullingar pair of Cormac Finnerty and David Burke, who won many new admirers with their aggressive running in last year's race, are named on a strong Irish squad.

Finnerty has raced sparingly this winter and will welcome the opportunity to test his fitness, while Burke will be anxious to improve on his 12th place finish at Durham last week after some early season disappointments.

London based John Downes was the first Irish finisher at the recent European Championships and will be anxious to retain his billing at the top. But Seamus Power is a gritty competitor and will not be overawed by either the competition or the heavy underfoot conditions.

Mark Carroll was in Durham last week hut was forced out of the race early through flu and it is uncertain as to whether he will start today. Carroll's likely absence is to be regretted, hut the squad of Burke, Finnerty, Downs and Power are certain to be involved in the final shake up.

Although no longer a name to strike fear into the hearts of his opponents, five times world cross country champion, John Ngugi, still commands the utmost respect. While Ngugi is unlikely to win, the presence of his younger brother James Kuriuki will ensure a strong Kenyan interest.

John Nuttall rarely performs below expectations and heads a large British contingent which also includes Paul Evans, while David Lewis will relish the heavy going.

Paula Radcliffe will provide a stern examination for the Irish women with her strong front running tactics. Few can have been unimpressed with her victory last week in Durham and it is hard to see her being beaten.

But Kenya's Rose Cheriuyot respects neither class nor conditions and will be anxious to repeat her victory of a few seasons ago.

Maureen Harrington and Anita Philpott are the most likely to head the home challenge, but there will be much support for Jill Bruce of Dromore.