They watched the video back, first Andy Young and then Laura Muir, the coach and the athlete dissecting the moment when Commonwealth dreams bit the dust.

Amid a stampede for the finishing line at Hampden, a stray foot clipped Muir's heel and the contact was acute enough to disrupt the Scot's stride, allowing her rivals to bolt clear and to divvy up the spoils in the 1500 metres final.

Muir believes a medal would have been hers. It is that thought which has prevented the setback from turning into a sore. "It gave me more confidence, knowing I had put myself in the position I wanted and I could have done really well if that hadn't happened," she said. "It made me feel better, not worse."

Redemption, of a sort, can be obtained speedily. The 21-year-old begins her challenge at the European Championships in Zurich in this morning's heats with mind and body refreshed after the emotional rigours of Glasgow. Despite her withdrawal from the subsequent 800m at the Games, she is convinced her education has been aided by the events of the past fortnight, with processes tested and plans settled.

"What I learnt was that everything we did was correct," said Muir. "There was nothing at all we'd change. I dealt very well with the pressure. I was very relaxed on the start line and in the best shape I could have been. My recovery was good as well. So it's good to know what is good for me and that I can use it again at other championships."

No time like the present. Only Sifan Hassan and Abeba Aregawi, both Ethiopia-born but racing for the Netherlands and Sweden respectively, sit above Muir in the rankings this season. The duo are a step ahead but behind there is a chasing pack with little in the way of separation.

It includes Muir's British team-mates Laura Weightman and Hannah England, part of a domestic middle-distance coterie which is feeding off the internal scraps. "In the end that makes the three of us better athletes, having someone pushing you all the time and knowing that even domestic races won't be easy and that you have to run your best," said Muir.

"That competition can only help the three of us get up there with the Americans and Africans. And I think we've all got a bright future ahead of us."

Weightman's reputation was enhanced by claiming silver as Muir in Glasgow faltered. England has major championship medals stashed away already. For those still awaiting their turn, Zurich would be a fine place to break ducks.

"Had I done well at the Commonwealths I might have been more laid back about the Europeans," said Muir. "I know this is a major championships but Glasgow was always going to be the priority this season. But I'm going to give [Zurich] my all."

Her compatriot, Beth Potter, will do likewise in tonight's 10,000m final, despite acknowledging that she feels fatigued after a double challenge in Glasgow. The women's 100m will also begin today with Stephen Maguire, UK Athletics' incoming head of sprints, issuing a challenge to his charges-in-waiting as he prepares to take his leave from Scotland.

"They need to get out and rub shoulders with the rest of the world," said Maguire. "They can't be comfortable. But the Europeans are a great stepping-stone for that. In the women's 200m, Bianca and Jodie Williams medalled in Glasgow. Can they step up at the Europeans again? Same with Dina Asher-Smith coming off the world juniors. I'm looking forward to seeing what they can all do."