EILIDH DOYLE claimed she was satisfied with her new role in the British 4x400 line-up even after watching their hopes of glory at the World Relays in the Bahamas evaporate.

The 30-year-old Scot was switched from her usual lead leg to third but left her squad in second place in the final before 2008 Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu was passed on the home straight as the USA, Poland and Jamaica shared the medals.

But with the Rio 2016 bronze medallists eyeing up a podium place as this summer’s world championships in London, Doyle insisted the experiment had been worth the effort.

“I’m not as used to the third leg as I am the first, so it was interesting having someone right alongside me for the whole lap,” she said. “I just wanted to make it hard for her on the straight and if she wants to go past me she’ll have to work hard and do it on the bend. I feel much better than I did (in the semis) and getting that first run in my legs has helped me run a bit better.”

The men’s 4x400 team – minus injured European champion Martyn Rooney – were sixth in their final but sprints chief Stephen Maguire believes the experiences will be worth the effort with one more likely warm-up before London at the European Team Championships in Lille.

“We always said this event was about developing the squads towards London,” the ex-Scottish Athletics head coach said. “After what we have seen here and in training all this week, I’m confident both these 4x400 teams will be very strong contenders for a place on the World Championship podium in August.”