British featherweight champion Paul Appleby is in the shape of his life ahead of his title defence against Martin Lindsay on Saturday, according to manager Tommy Gilmour.

The 21-year-old from South Queensferry, who defeated John Simpson at the Kelvin Hall last June to claim the tile, was last year crowned Britain's Best Young Boxer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Club.

Appleby has a perfect record of 14 wins from 14 bouts and Gilmour believes, should his young charge prove victorious, he will be the No.1 contender for the European Championship.

"This is a huge fight for Paul and he's well prepared for Saturday night," said Gilmour.

"It's two young undefeated fighters contesting a championship and the rewards for the winner are enormous.

"Paul is the number two contender for the European Championship.

"The number one contender lost last week, so we would expect when the new ratings come out at the end of the month Paul will take the number one position - should he retain his undefeated record.

"For a 21-year-old to achieve what he's already done in such a short space of time is remarkable. His rise to fame has been quite steep."

Lindsey had originally been scheduled to fight Appleby in a final eliminator match to challenge Simpson for the British crown last year, but withdrew, paving the way for Appleby to take the title.