TOM DALEY is expected to compete in both the men's 10m platform and synchro at this weekend's British Championships despite concerns over an injury to the city diving sensation's thumb.

Daley has damaged the tip of his right thumb sparking fears he could exacerbate the problem by competing in the British Gas National Cup which gets under way in Southend tomorrow.

In an Olympic year, the spotlight is almost certain to be on Daley's performance at the three-day championships, which kick-off a busy few months for the young Olympian.

Much of the focus for Team GB and performance director Alexei Evangulov is how well Daley and synchro partner Pete Waterfield dive together.

According to Daley's Plymouth Diving and Great Britain coach Andy Banks the pair have been in 'terrific shape' in practice, so Evangulov may decide not to risk Daley ahead of next month's ultra-important FINA World Cup in London.

The diving World Cup, which runs from February 20-26, gives divers the chance to clinch Olympic places for their country, so the value of keeping British number one synchro pair Daley and Waterfield in tip-top shape cannot be over-emphasised.

Banks said the decision to rest 17-year-old Daley rests on the shoulders of Russian chief Evangulov.

"They are looking terrific in training and so far the thumb has not been a problem," Banks told Herald Sport.

"But it's a case of watch this space I'm afraid whether or not Tom competes. All I can say is he's not in any discomfort heading into the water.

"Of course, in the greater scheme of things the World Cup is of more immediate importance, so whether Tom is rested is a decision only Alexei can make."

Daley, who has just finished his studies at Plymouth College so that he can concentrate on his preparation for the Olympic Games this summer, is not the only city talent on show in Southend.

Tonia Couch, Brooke Graddon and Sarah Barrow will be competing in the women's 10m platform.

Up-and-coming Plymouth Diving product Ashley Hendrick, 16, is competing in the men's 10m platform, while three of the Central Park club's newest recruits to a major tournament are also in action – 13-year-olds Shanice Lobb and Kayleigh Sinclair and 11-year-old Matthew Dixon.

Eye-catching displays during the next three days will help raise their profile.

They, too, have a busy year ahead with the British Junior Elite Championships coming to town in April (4-7) at what will be a newly-opened Life Centre in Plymouth.

At stake for the Sally Freeman-coached trio are places at the Dresden Youth International in Germany at the end of April (26-29).