THE Lindsays Scottish Short Course Cross-Country Championships takes place in Kirkcaldy today, with the potential of two of Scotland’s biggest names battling it out for honours over the 4k course.

Both Andy Butchart and Callum Hawkins are on the entry list, which is 345 runners strong, with the Olympians joined by a number of other GB and Scotland internationals in Fife.

Butchart and Hawkins are both fresh from their exertions at the recent World Championships in Doha, where Hawkins finished fourth in the marathon while Butchart was eliminated in the heats of the 5000m.

There are a number of races taking place, with honours up for grabs in the under-15 and under-17 category, as well as the Juniors, Seniors and Masters categories.

Contenders in the women’s race are likely to be Jenny Selman and Annabel Simpson, Rebecca Burns, Michelle Sandison, Katie White.

Also in action will be rising star, Erin Wallace, who is the current Commonwealth Youth Games 1500m champion, who will be competing in the under-20 race.

Meanwhile, UK Athletics have been forced to restart its search for a new supremo after Scottish Athletics chief Stephen Maguire pulled out of talks to become its performance director.

It is understood that the Northern Irishman rejected the idea of an extended secondment from his role north of the border following initial discussions with UKA chair Chris Clark.

Maguire will, however, stay in his part-time role overseeing the British sprint and relay programmes, in addition to serving as Scottish Athletics head of performance.

UKA sources insisted they are “looking at a range of options” to fulfil the post vacated last month by Neil Black. But Clark may now have to look outside his existing staff with a quick appointment required headed into an Olympic year.

At the World Para Athletics Championships in Doha, Sammi Kinghorn last night took bronze in the T53 100m. Kinghorn was defending champion in the event but had her preparation somewhat disrupted by an operation earlier in the summer.