Tuesday, March 20, 2012

KOP News # 1020

Exclusive: Liverpool striker Bellamy in Team GB frame for London Olympics

By Sami Mokbel

PUBLISHED: 22:50 GMT, 15 March 2012 | UPDATED: 06:57 GMT, 16 March 2012

In the frame: Wales star Bellamy

Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy could wave goodbye to the international scene at London 2012 this summer.

Team GB boss Stuart Pearce can name three players over the age of 23 in his squad and the Wales forward is being lined up to take one of those slots. 

Sportsmail can reveal that the 32-year-old has received a letter asking him to confirm his availability for the Olympic Games.

Whether Bellamy makes Pearce's final squad remains to be seen, with stars such as David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Joe Cole also possibilities for an  over-age place.

The Welsh FA have made it clear they oppose the idea of their players representing Great Britain.

End of an era: Bellamy could bow out of international football after the Games

But sources close to Bellamy suggest he would seriously consider playing for GB if selected.

Bellamy is considering calling time on his Wales career before their World Cup qualifying campaign begins later this year, so the Games could set the stage for him to bid farewell to international football.

Liverpool wonderkid Raheem Sterling, 17, has also received a  letter from the FA regarding London 2012 - even though he has not made his first-team debut for the Anfield club.

Decision time: Pearce will take charge of Team GB this summer

Sportsmail revealed on Tuesday that Sterling will consider his future on Merseyside in the summer due to his frustrations. 

Meanwhile, Brazil have named a star-studded 52-man preliminary Olympic squad.

If Team GB are to win gold, it looks like they will have to do it the hard way after manager Mano Menezes included Ronaldinho, Pato, Dani Alves, Hulk and Neymar.

English-based stars David Luiz, Rafael, Sandro and Bruno Uvini have also been named in Brazil's early plans.

 

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