Muirhead confident ahead of home Europeans

The 26-year-old former world champion has not reigned over Europe since winning in Moscow, in 2011, but has been on the podium every year since.

Last year saw defeat in the final to Russia, but Muirhead – who welcomes long-time teammate Anna Sloan back from injury for the Championships – is looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd at the Braehead Arena, in Glasgow, later this month.

"Not many people get the chance to experience playing in a big tournament in front of a home crowd," she said.

"We'll have to perform well to do well.

"Every year other teams are getting stronger. The Swedes, Swiss and the Russians, though, are always the ones to watch."

Sloan, who won Olympic bronze with Muirhead in 2014, is returning to the rink after recovering from a serious knee injury sustained in March.

The 25-year-old went under the knife in May, but will link up with Muirhead, Vicki Adams and Lauren Gray as they take on Europe's elite on their home ice.

"I'm pleased and relieved to be back 100 per cent fit," she said.

"I was an impatient patient. It's a massive year and I was worried about being out for so long."

In the men's competition Tom Brewster won the right to represent Scotland after beating David Murdoch in a play-off.

Brewster will play with Muirhead's brother Glen, as well as Ross Paterson and Hammy McMillan, and is excited at the prospect of a home championship.

"I played in the World Junior Championships in Perth in 1995, so I'm really looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd," he said.

"We're quietly confident. We'll give it our best, but we try not to look too far ahead."

The event begins on Saturday, November 19, and acts as a qualifying event for April's World Championships, in Canada.

Sportsbeat 2016