Christian Malcolm has backed Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers’ Zharnel Hughes to break the British 200m record.

The 20-year-old is one of the most exciting young sprinters in the world and has been dubbed ‘the next Usain Bolt’ – who he trains alongside in Jamaica.

He showed that promise by finishing fifth in the 200m at the World Championships in Beijing in August.

And Malcolm, who is one of Great Britain’s relay coaches, believes Hughes and team-mate Adam Gemili will surpass John Regis’ 200m national record of 19.94 which has stood for more than two decades.

Malcolm, who was speaking at a Get Set for Community Action event at Villa Park, said: “Everyone is obviously comparing Zharnel to Usain Bolt and obviously he trains with him.

“He’s lucky because he gets to train with the master day in day out and always test himself.

“So he is in a great position and can make some serious headway into the world stage.

“I wouldn’t write Adam (Gemili) off at 200m as well because I think he and Zharnel will push each other very close.

“I think the boys can take the British record for sure.

“He has come fifth at the World Championships this year and has kicked on and he will learn from what he has done year.

“His body will adapt and he will move on and I think we can have two guys in the 200m (Olympic) final.”

Hughes has enjoyed a fine 2015 after winning the 200m titles at the British Championships and Sainsbury's Anniversary Games in July.

However, Malcolm, who won World and European medals during his career, has warned Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers’ Hughes he must remain focused if he is to remain in Great Britain’s sprint team.

He said: “There are a lot of guys that are sometimes overlooked, like your Harry Aikines-Aryeetey or Danny Talbot, James Ellington, and people like that.

“These are consistent runners who year in year out put down quick times. So the guys at the top can’t rest on their laurels.

“There are guys on their shoulders waiting to take them out so everyone needs to stay focused.”

Get Set for Community Action is a new UK-wide programme for young people and their communities created by the British Olympic Foundation and British Paralympic Association and made possible thanks to the Big Lottery Fund. To find out more visit: www.getsetaction.org.uk