MARC Austin was today tipped to be a future triathlon superstar - despite his brave challenge to the Brownlee brothers ending in disappointment.

Glasgow lad Austin brought the Scottish spectators to their feet during the men's event at sundrenched Strathclyde Park yesterday afternoon.

The 20-year-old stayed in touch with English duo Alistair and Jonathan during the first two stages - to the obvious delight of the home supporters.

At one point in the afternoon, hopes were even high that the Scotstoun youngster could claim our first medal of the Commonwealth Games. Austin lost touch with the Brownlee boys towards the end of the cycling and ended up crossing the finishing line way down the field in 22nd place.

Olympic champion Alistair won to add to his gold medal haul, Jonathan picked up silver for coming second while Richard Murray of South Africa took bronze.

However, David McNamee, whose seventh place finish was the best ever by a Scottish competitor, was hugely impressed with his team mate's gallant display.

And he has tipped the former Scotstoun Primary and Jordanhill Secondary pupil to go from strength to strength as a result of his heroic performance.

He said: "We have a great team spirit in the Scotland camp and it was great to see Grant Sheldon and Marc Austin in the mix as well. They are both going to be stars of the future.

"They are both just 20, the youngest in the field, so to do so well is phenomenal and augurs well for them. Marc managed to get in the breakaway. The world better watch out for Marc and Grant.

"Those boys get better every week. In a couple of years time they will be kicking my backside.

"I love being around them and seeing their enthusiasm. They have a really bright future ahead of them."

Stirling University student Austin, who only stepped up to senior level this year, needed medical attention after the race after putting so much effort in.

He said: "I gave it everything that I had. The crowd were amazing and I think they helped me a lot. I tried to give it everything I had to stay with the Brownlees.

"Alistair said afterwards that I will learn from the experience and progress from here and I hope that this is true. I haven't experienced being at the front of a race of such a high standard before.

"For me, that was something that I will take away from it. Alistair and Jonathan are the best two bikers in the sport. I was a bit out of my depth on a course where there was no hiding place.

"I have done some training with them in the past. But I am not as strong a rider as them by any means. The run was not something I want to remember. But I am just happy that I gave it a go."

Sheldon, from Hamilton, came home in 14th position and was delighted with how he had performed in such illustrious company in front of a home crowd.

He said: "I was hoping for some classic Scottish weather to give me an advantage to be honest with you, but it was not to be. I am pleased with my placing and hopefully I can now enjoy a good end to the season."

McNamee added: "I would have liked to have been a bit more competitive to try and get that bronze medal. But I just didn't have it today.

"Having said that, I am pleased with my result."