Martyn Irvine to carry flag for Northern Ireland at Commonwealth Games

Martyn Irvine has been selected as Team Northern Ireland's official flag bearer for tonight's opening ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The 29-year-old cyclist, who won bronze in Delhi four years ago, will lead his nation out in tonight's curtain raiser at Celtic Park.

Irvine has experienced a tough year, having broken his femur shortly after the World Championships before regaining full fitness to take a bronze medal in the European Track Championships, as well winning Ireland's first gold medal in the World Cup in nearly two decades.

"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," Irvine said. "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".

The London 2012 competitor will take part in three cycling events in Glasgow.