AIB TIGERS swimmer Simon Le Couilliard made a ‘solid’ international debut for Great Britain in Italy at the weekend.

Le Couilliard, only the second Tiger to win a full international cap at just 18 years old, was competing in the European Short Course Championships in Trieste.

And following his disappointment at finishing last in the 100m butterfly onb Friday he had a more encouraging performance in the 200m on Saturday when he just missed his personal best time.

Tigers coach Paul du Feu was happy just for Le Couilliard to be there.

‘It was a much better swim on Saturday,’ he said.

‘He was within 1 per cent of his best time, which is good considering he’s not rested and where he is in the season.

‘It was good solid experience for him.

There were Olympic and world class swimmers in Trieste,’ he said.

‘It’s brilliant just to be there, especially when Simon’s so young.

It’s a great grounding for the Commonwealth Games next year.’