Amazing chance

THE Scottish Football Association have reiterated their opposition to involvement in Team GB — but Oldham-born Scotland hopeful Andrew Driver admitted he was attracted to the prospect of playing in the Olympics.

The SFA confirmed their stance after Stuart Pearce vowed to consider non–English players for the Olympics as he was unveiled as the manager of the men’s team.

Pearce claimed the team for next year’s London Games should ideally consist of players from all home nations, despite opposition from the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish federations.

Driver admitted the chance to feature would be hard to ignore.

“That would be an unbelievable opportunity,” the Hearts winger said when asked about the Olympics at a club media conference.

“The Olympics is something people work their whole careers for so the chance to play in that would be amazing. Team GB has been put out there. I don’t see the problem playing in it if the option is on the table. If the option is there I would certainly be open to playing in it.”

Driver, who turns 24 next month, is struggling to pin down a regular place for Hearts after returning from persistent injury problems so he is a long way from forcing himself into Pearce’s thoughts for his three over–age players.

The winger played under Pearce for England under–21s before pledging his future to Scotland after the introduction of the five–year schooling rule. He has yet to play for his adopted country.



RYAN Giggs, the most decorated player in British football, could grace the twilight of his career with the chance of an Olympic medal.
The 37–year–old Manchester United star could force his way into the Great Britain men’s squad for London 2012 as one of three overaged players.

Manager Stuart Pearce said: “I won’t close the door on anyone, especially if you are talking about an individual of Ryan’s ability.”

It is even possible Wayne Rooney, who is banned for the first three matches of Euro 2012, could yet play at the Games.