"Swansea City stars could be part of Team GB's Olympic bid after being named on boss Stuart Pearce's initial shortlist of players.
Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, Joe Allen and on-loan centre-half Steven Caulker have all reportedly been sounded out about being part of Team GB.
The news comes days after we revealed Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham has also been the subject of an initial approach.
Boss Brendan Rodgers confirmed Pearce's interest, insisting the Team GB coach had been highly impressed by the performances of his Swans this season.
“I spoke to Stuart Pearce at the Arsenal game the other night and he sang the praises of all the Swansea players he has included,” Rodgers said.
“It’s fantastic for them to be on the initial list, although it’s not ideal for Swansea City to be missing our best players.
“If they are in the final squad, they will miss nearly all of pre-season and the start of next season.
“If I was being selfish then I would want the players here, but it’s bigger than that. Going to the Olympics is something that in a player’s life they might want to achieve.”
The inclusion of Williams, Allen and Taylor could have a massive affect on the Swans' preparations for next season, with the tournament being played throughout July and August.
Team GB boss Pearce is drawing up an initial list of players, which will be shortened later in the year ahead of the London 2012 Games.
While Taylor, Allen and Caulker could all be selected as under 23 players, Williams would have to be one of only three over-age players allowed in the squad.
“There’s a decision to be made first of all on whether the players want to be put forward, and we have to let them know by a certain date," added Rodgers.
“I have had initial conversations with the four players already, and I will speak to them again individually to get their feelings.
“I have given them some time to think about it before we talk again.”
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http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/swanseacityfc/swansea-city-fc/2012/01/12/swansea-city-quartet-in-team-gb-olympic-link-91466-30108885/#ixzz1jOLxqBZmPERSONALLY I THINK THIS is a disgrace, im firmly against this monstrosity of a team.
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