Unlike the Olympics and Paralympics where they compete together under the banner of Great Britain, the Commonwealth Games sees England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland send separate teams that are completely autonomous from each other.

The divide has led to suggestions that English athletes could receive a hostile reception in Scotland - especially with a vote on Scottish independence due to be held a few weeks after the event finishes which could see the end of the Treaty of Union which dates back to 1707 - but Cavanagh has predicted that Glasgow 2014 will feel like a home Games for all the countries.


"I think the English athletes will get fantastic support at Glasgow 2014," Cavanagh told insidethegames.

"First of all, because it is so close, a lot of English supporters will come up for the Commonwealth Games to cheer on their athletes.

"They will have been enthused by London 2012 so they will be targeting Glasgow 2014.

"I think the Scottish fans will also be looking forward to seeing the big stars like Jessica Ennis and cheering her on after what she did in London.

"I think that the likes of Jessica and also Rebecca Adlington will be two of the most popular athletes of the entire Commonwealth Games.

"Rebecca is already a Glasgow 2014 Ambassador and has been hugely well received in Scotland.

"She will be one of many popular English athletes at Glasgow 2014.

"But it is the same for all the Home Nations and I think that it will essentially be a home Games for England, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as for Scotland.

"Obviously I am bias and I hope that Scotland will get the most vocal support but I know that everyone will be hugely well supported."


The Commonwealth Games Scotland chairman continued that he is confident Glasgow 2014 will be a huge success after the preparations for the competition received glowing praise from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Coordination Commission following their recent inspection visit.

"I think that things like the CGF Coordination Commission findings show that we are well on track," Cavanagh said.

"We are definitely on the right path as it stands and our athletes and team staff are really excited about the chance to be a part of Glasgow 2014.

"Obviously there is still a long way to go and we cannot get complacent but I think that Glasgow 2014 has the potential to be a very special competition."

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