Liverpool's Craig Bellamy Reveals Team GB Olympics Selection

Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy has revealed his selection in Stuart Pearce's Great Britain football squad for the 2012 Olympics. Bellamy told The Sun that he was confirming the news early;

"I am in the Olympic squad - but I was supposed to keep it quiet. "It's a different challenge. I had a difficult season with Liverpool but the Olympics is a one-off."

The 32-year-old Welshman will have to take one of the three slots allocated for experienced players over the age of 23. Others rumoured for these slots include his fellow Welsh colleague Ryan Giggs and former England captain David Beckham, though Bellamy's selection puts both of those names in doubt as Pearce has previously hinted that he might include an experienced central defender with Newcastle United's Steven Taylor (who will return to training following a lengthy injury just before the Olympics) and Manchester United's Johnny Evans in the running for those slots. The selection of Bellamy looks to be a good one as he is a workaholic striker who never gives up the cause and is as competitive as they come. That is precisely what Stuart Pearce needs from his Team GB as the public perception of the Olympics is poor right now. Plus, Bellamy on his day is as good as anyone and Pearce will have it in mind to field as many non-England players as he can to make the squad feel truly British rather than just English. Pearce is set to name his full 18-man squad later this week though it sounds like he has already informed the players themselves.