Speculation: Team GB Olympic Squad

[chilipepper91]

Okay, it's unlikely that any of our guys will make it to the final 18 but originally 191 players were called to declare their availability...

I think we may have been a bit under the radar in January but if those calls were being now I definitely think Alex Pearce would be getting a call from his namesake... HRK possibly? Simon Church improbably?

[Dare to Dr£am]

Simon Church for the laughs!

[TBM]

Chris Coleman says he is unaware of any agreement between players and clubs which would allow some of his Wales squad to play in the Olympics.

British Olympic Association chief executive Andy Hunt claims at least two have agreed to play for Team GB.

Hunt says Craig Bellamy and Gareth Bale have agreed to take part with the blessing of their clubs but Coleman says he is unaware of any such deal.

"Ideally I wouldn't want any of our players involved," said the Wales boss.

Coleman added: "Most of the clubs I talk to, or managers that I talk to, are not that happy about it.

"Obviously the clubs they've talked to have agreed to it otherwise they wouldn't come out with that statement."

Bale and Bellamy, as well as David Beckham, are on a list of 80 players told by the Football Association they are in contention for a place in the 18-man squad.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW), along with the Scottish and Northern Irish associations, fear Team GB could threaten their independence.

Although the FAW opposes Welsh internationals featuring at the Olympics they have said they will not stop their players from taking part.

Bale and Wales captain Aaron Ramsey have previously stated their desire to play in the Games and have been photographed wearing Team GB shirts.

But Coleman is concerned that the Olympics will affect his plans for the start of the World Cup qualifying campaign in September.

As part of their preparations for the opening game against Belgium, Wales face Bosnia-Hercegovina in a friendly on 15 August - just four days after the Olympic football final at Wembley.

"I understand the players that want to play in the Olympics. Of course it's an experience you maybe will get only once in a lifetime.

"We've always known that some of our players could be involved in it. It's no big surprise.

"I can't say I'm delighted about the fact that if they get to the final, four days later we've got a game.

"But there's nothing we can do about it. We've just got to get on with it."

[No Hoops]

Stuart Pearce was at the game on Tuesday. Left before the goal. Plastic!

[Royal Ginger]

He was also at Blackpool.

[SCIAG]

Will Karacan's ankle have healed? Now Wilshire is out, the whole country will be sweating on Jem's return to fitness.

[The Cube]

Will Karacan's ankle have healed? Now Wilshire is out, the whole country will be sweating on Jem's return to fitness.

Which country?

[paultheroyal]

Will Karacan's ankle have healed? Now Wilshire is out, the whole country will be sweating on Jem's return to fitness.

Which country?

Lol

[SCIAG]

Will Karacan's ankle have healed? Now Wilshire is out, the whole country will be sweating on Jem's return to fitness.

Which country?

The United Kingdom? You know, given this thread is about Team GB, I was unlikely to be talking about Turkey.

Not that anybody has heard of Jem, or he would be the best option, or he'll be remotely fit enough.

[sheshnu]

What are the qualification rules for the Olympic teams then? Actually I'm not that interested but I'd be surprised if players can switch nationalities for it. It's a FIFA sanctioned tournament, right?

[peterroyal76]

I think its a pretty good bet that Karacan will not be representing GB at this summers olympics!

[Royalz96]

Alex Pearce,

[Kingsley Junior]

If I remember the rules correctly, Karacan would have been eligible still for England if he was still younger than 21 as he has not played a competitive international for the full Turkey side (not that he has played a friendly either, but that is irrelevant). However, as he is 23, he cannot change nationality. The rules have lots of clauses though so I may be wrong here.

Not that he would be getting a call up even if he was eligible...

[SCIAG]

What are the qualification rules for the Olympic teams then? Actually I'm not that interested but I'd be surprised if players can switch nationalities for it. It's a FIFA sanctioned tournament, right?

In the case of Team GB, you have to be eligible for one of the four home nations. Karacan is eligible for England, having been born here to a British (English?) mother, and being educated here for over five years as well, and never being capped for Turkey at senior level (somehow).

[Franchise FC]

What are the qualification rules for the Olympic teams then? Actually I'm not that interested but I'd be surprised if players can switch nationalities for it. It's a FIFA sanctioned tournament, right?

In the case of Team GB, you have to be eligible for one of the four home nations. Karacan is eligible for England, having been born here to a British (English?) mother, and being educated here for over five years as well, and never being capped for Turkey at senior level (somehow).

Eligible - probably
Fit - errrrr, no

[SCIAG]

What are the qualification rules for the Olympic teams then? Actually I'm not that interested but I'd be surprised if players can switch nationalities for it. It's a FIFA sanctioned tournament, right?

In the case of Team GB, you have to be eligible for one of the four home nations. Karacan is eligible for England, having been born here to a British (English?) mother, and being educated here for over five years as well, and never being capped for Turkey at senior level (somehow).

Eligible - probably
Fit - errrrr, no

Yeah, I think it was clear from the offset that I was being less than entirely serious.

[Franchise FC]

Yeah, I think it was clear from the offset that I was being less than entirely serious.

I sort of assumed that from the 'Actually I'm not that interested' bit.

[Victor Meldrew]

Stuart Pearce was at the game on Tuesday. Left before the goal. Plastic!

Presumably watching Zaha and hoping that Clyne would have been playing.

[Franchise FC]

Stuart Pearce was at the game on Tuesday. Left before the goal. Plastic!

Presumably watching Zaha and hoping that Clyne would have been playing.

Age catching up with you Victor - we played Forest on Tuesday

[Ups and Downs]

So is likely to be the GB keeper? Shouldn't think they will waste one of the over 23 positions on a keeper. Is McCarthy in with a shout?

Would love to see Pearce but I can't see it happening?