Despite suffering a shoulder injury just days earlier, pop star Alexandra Burke gritted her teeth and took to the basketball court to perform at the UK vs USA women’s match.

The 2008 X Factor winner entertained the crowd at half time with a handful of her songs at last night’s game at Manchester’s M.E.N. Arena. Rapper and singer Labrinth is set to perform at half time for the men’s game tonight. Both matches are warm-ups for the Olympic teams before the Games begin in London on July 27.

Speaking ahead of her performance, Burke said, "To perform at such a landmark event is a fantastic honour. I am really looking forward to being part of the evening and performing in front of the Manchester crowd."

The Bad Boys singer had earlier told fans she had “pulled” her shoulder and complained of being “in so much pain”. She revealed on Twitter she had sustained the injury during a show, adding: “Sleeping on it made it worst (sic), then rehearsals killed it!”

Burke was due to consult a specialist about the injury before yesterday’s performance, and insisted her concerts this weekend will go ahead as planned. In a follow-up post, she tweeted: “(For) those asking, the shows I have this weekend won’t be affected by this.”

For her appearance in Manchester, the 23-year-old star swapped heels for glittery high-top trainers, which she teamed with a bright orange dress and a cut-off denim waistcoat. She was joined on the basketball court by several male backing dancers and her performance appeared unaffected by her shoulder injury.

After the game, Burke, who released her second album Heartbreak On Hold last month, seemed in good spirits, tweeting: “Had so much fun performing 2night! Can't wait2 see the boys play tomorrow!”