Rutherford hoping to see Manchester come together for Great CityGames

The event was in doubt after a bombing at the Manchester Arena on Monday evening, but has since been given the go ahead.

The London 2012 Olympic champion has said he would not have been surprised had the competition been brought to a halt, but is confident the evening's action can help unite the city, including athletics and non-athletics fans alike.

And Rutherford, who enjoys a personal connection with the city, is hoping he can be a part of a successful night on the track and field in what has been a difficult week for Manchester.

"It's fantastic that the event is going ahead," the 30-year-old said. "The city of Manchester is a wonderful place. I come here a lot because I'm a Manchester United fan and sport in this city is hugely important. People really get behind it.

"I think what we're all hoping for is that show of solidarity, that people will come out for the event and, even if they're not athletics fans, they'll do it just to show that people aren't going to be scared by those nutters that are out there.

"From that point of view, I think it's a wonderful thing to do, to give people something to enjoy. In dark times, it's nice to have good people around to help and that's what the people of Manchester are – really, really good people who want to enjoy sport.

"This place has a rich history of sport and we have two very big teams in the city that are not always friendly but, in this situation, everyone will come together. With the events of Monday night, it's a great thing that people can come out and enjoy themselves."

British champion Daniel Gardiner will also compete in the long jump, while Rio Olympic 4x100m bronze medallists Asha Philip and Desiree Henry set to face each other in the 100m.

British record-holder Holly Bradshaw and Commonwealth silver medallist Sally Peake contest the pole vault while Richard Kilty, who became European indoor 60m champion for a second time in Belgrade earlier this year, goes in the 150m.

For Rutherford, the evening will be a chance to give back to the fans, keen to follow up on last year's victory in Manchester at the pop-up arena in Albert Square.

He added: "Fundamentally – and I think athletes can forget this at times – without the fans there is no sport, really.

"If you go to a competition and don't want to speak to anybody, you have that look about you that isn't very approachable, I think that's wrong.

"Also, when you look at it, I run and jump into a sandpit. I'm very fortunate in that I'm one of the best in the world at it but still, I mean, it's ridiculous.

"I'm not saving people's lives or anything else so you have to be respectful of the fact that these people are turning out to watch you showcase the event – so interact with them, have some fun with them and enjoy it because, before you know it, you're 30 like I am and you're staring down the barrel of retirement in the next few years.

"I love this place and I love coming here. Hopefully Friday night will be a good night." Sportsbeat 2017