The Tasmanian likely to spearhead the home-nation's junior charge at the cross-country world titles in March believes his country is missing a trick by not staging its national trials on the same Bathurst course.

Legana's Sam Clifford is Australia's top prospect for the under-20 race as he hopes to build on a 30th-place finish at last year's world titles in Denmark.

In his last year before stepping up to seniors, the 18-year-old is thrilled to see the titles held in his country for the first time in their 44-year history.

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"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to run in your own country like this," Clifford said.

"It will be huge to run on home soil in front of family and friends and with the world watching.

"It's a privilege to host the championships. I see it being a fantastic event and cannot wait to be a part of it."

But as Athletics Australia celebrates the 300-days-to-go milestone this week, Clifford is urging them to use the same Mount Panorama course for the national trials, usually held in Canberra's Mount Stromlo in January.

"I would like them to be run at Bathurst so we can run on the course and see what we need to improve on.

"It would give us all an indication of how we go on that course so we can then try and improve on our performances on the big day.

"It would help give us an edge and even possibly get us a medal. If AA want a better event, they should have the trials there too."

The cross-country world titles are traditionally dominated by the East African powerhouses of Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Eritrea.

When Clifford's fellow Riverside High product Jake Birtwhistle came 41st in Poland in 2013, the top 18 places were claimed by Africans.

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