Olympic gold medallist Jason Gardner has insisted that the current group of Team GB sprinters must improve ahead of the Olympics this summer.

Gardner was a member of the victorious 4x100m team in Athens but believes that the current group of sprinters will struggle in London.

Craig Pickering, Simeon Williamson and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey have failed to make an impact on the 100m scene during their relatively short careers, while Jamaican youngster Yohan Blake has bursting onto the circuit.

Gardner told The Sun: "I think we are in a difficult place in terms of sprinting. We've not only failed to move on with the global scene but unfortunately our boys have gone backwards and that is a real shame.

"There is still time for some of the guys but then Yohan Blake is also young so you can't use that excuse any more.

"The truth is and I think our athletes will agree, if they are being honest with themselves, is that they are just not good enough."

Gardner retired in 2007 and is now a Youth Sport Trust Ambassador.