Track cyclist Martyn Irvine will carry the flag for the Northern Ireland team in tonight's Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.

The County Down 29-year-old won gold in the Scratch race at last year's World Track Championships and also won a bronze medal at the 2010 Delhi Games.

Irvine said: "I'm honoured to be considered as flag bearer considering there are a lot of other athletes in the team with bigger CVs than I have. There are little chances to represent Northern Ireland in my lifetime, possibly eight to nine and so to do so in Glasgow so close to home in front of friends and family is a real honour".

Irvine will take part in three events in Glasgow - the 20k Scratch and 40k Points race, plus the road race on August 1.

Northern Ireland Chef de Mission Robert McVeigh said: "We are delighted to appoint Martyn as official flag bearer as he epitomises the spirit of Team Northern Ireland by exhibiting qualities of commitment and integrity. He has demonstrated an ability to galvanise all our sports into one team."