DANNY Talbot gave his Olympic prospects a real boost as he qualified third fastest for tonight's 200m final at the European Championships in Helsinki.

Trowbridge's Talbot, 21, won his semi final in 20.69 to progress to this evening's showpiece.

British rival Chris Clarke, who is vying with Talbot for the third discretionary place in Team GB for the 200m at London 2012 also qualified, but was the slowest in 20.90.

Talbot needs to beat Clarke and achieve the A standard time of 20.55 to leave himself in pole position for final discretionary Olympic place.

The Great Britain athletics team for London 2012 is finalised next week.

NEWS OF TALBOT'S FINAL RUN LATER TODAY AT WILTSHIRETIMES.CO.UK/SPORT