Jones hopes some new British stars can emerge in Sydney

"We are not as strong as we were in Sydney in terms of pushing for gold medals," Jones, performance director for UK Athletics, told BBC Five Live.

He said prospects were weaker after the retirements of triple jumper Jonathan Edwards and hurdler Colin Jackson.

Jones said winning six athletics medals again would be a "fantastic feat".

Britain's medals in Sydney included titles for Edwards and heptathlete Denise Lewis.

But long-distance runner Paula Radcliffe is the only British athlete being tipped as an outstanding gold medal prospect in Athens.

Campbell blasts Jackson

Former hurdler Colin Jackson has already sparked controversy by suggesting the British men's athletics team may find it difficult to pick up a medal.

Jones said he hoped younger talents would stake their claim in Athens.

"We've had the retirements of Jonathan Edwards and Colin Jackson, and we've yet to replace that calibre of athlete," he said.

"But we still have a fair number of athletes who can vie for positions on the podium.

"We've got a lot of good people and some may come through these Games as stars."