Does this sound genuine?

I think you just need to respect his decision. I actually really commend people who are capable of taking a step back and admitting they're just not ready to date instead of trying to get over exes by dating someone new. It might help to go on some dates and get excited about a new person sometimes, but if you just aren't in it there is no point in forcing yourself.

I didn't think I was ready to date again and was totally turned off the idea until I met my boyfriend, who I am still with, and it all just took off from there. He had also said that he wasn't ready to date again, but then he met me and asked me out anyway. So I'm inclined to say that if you meet someone you really can't resist, you may just make the exception. He says he tried to date you and he couldn't force himself, and I wouldn't personally want to end up dating someone who initially couldn't even force themselves to date me. I know you like him, but I think you need to just accept that it isn't going to happen and let him continue to grieve his ex relationship.

Even though he obviously thinks you're attractive and thinks you're a wonderful person, sometimes relationships need more than that. They need chemistry. He most likely just doesn't feel that magnetic pull with you, even though he feels like he should because he recognises you're a great and attractive human being. It's easy to be surrounded by good-looking and great people, especially friends, but if you don't feel that spark between you it can all fall flat.

Let him have his time to mourn. One day he might be ready, but that doesn't mean he will look to you to date, so you need to just move on and see other people in my opinion.

I guarantee you'll get what you want in a couple of weeks or months. Do not worry. It always happens,nature will take its course.

As long as you don't become too clingy and persistent.

Thank you, do you think so, really? So there must be some interest on his part?

There may be no interest now. But with those compliments that is unlikely.
You'll spend time together and his feelings will develop. One day when you're in an idea setting, things will develop.

Another thing is he many be trying to play it cool - a successful tactic.

One of the main reasons he only sees you as a friend is because you are too available. Change that

Thanks Yeah... he has said we're very different in certain ways and I agree, but otherwise has said I have got 'everything to please', he really likes talking to me, we get on well etc. and as I said there is a very strong sexual chemistry.

You're probably right about that; he knows he could pretty much have me if he wanted to, and knows how much I wanted him.

I'm not talking to him atm anyway, but I'm scared of now giving myself false hope and just ending up disappointed! Plus we're not gonna be seeing each other more than every few months now anyway as he's going abroad for a year...

Going abroad for the year = yeah forget it. There are plenty of guys that will desire you. And i'm not just saying that. There is no point pursuing or thinking about this particular guy anymore.