By David Gold
September 5 – Arsenal and Scotland midfielder Kim Little (pictured) has said she wants to play for Britain’s Olympic football team during next year’s Olympic Games.
Little, who shone during the inaugural Super League season, which Arsenal won last week, will “definitely play” if given the chance.
“I don’t see why anyone would want to stop a player from playing at a massive tournament like the Olympics, it’s the biggest sporting event ever,” the 21-year-old from Aberdeen told The Guardian.
“If I get the opportunity I’ll grab it with both hands – I would definitely play.”
Little’s chances of playing though will be harmed by Scotland’s reluctance to allow its players to compete for Britain, believing that the fielding of an all-British national team could lead to them losing their independence on the world football stage.
It is a position also taken by Northern Ireland and Wales, all of whom reacted with surprise when the British Olympic Association (BOA) announced a joint team would be fielded earlier this year.
It means that players such as Manchester United’s Scottish midfielder Darren Fletcher or Wales and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey may not participate for Team GB in 2012.
Tottenham’s Gareth Bale (pictured), arguably the best non-English player eligible for the squad, has already pleaded with the Welsh FA to let him play if selected.
But the issue is particularly problematic for the women’s team, with a large number of their best players being Scottish, such as Little, as well as teammates Julie Fleeting.
Unlike her teammate, the Arsenal striker is determined not to play for Britain, aligning herself with her national association, where her father Jim is director of football.
Little has support from Wales midfielder Jess Fishlock, and the pair could play together if both get their wish.
“I’d love to play in the Olympics but I think players have to take on board the view of their national associations,” said Fishlock.
“It’s my ambition to captain my country one day, and I wouldn’t want to put that in jeopardy by going against my national association.”
Meanwhile, the race to manage the team took another twist when Keith Boanas threw his hat into the ring.
Boanas, who is the current Estonia and former Charlton Athletic manager, said: “I would be deeply honoured to be part of the coaching staff at the Games, which are so close to my home.
“I have seen every country play at youth and senior level over the last few years, so I know the international scene well and feel I could make a valuable contribution.”
Boanas would face competition from Hope Powell if the current England coach puts herself forward to coach the side, whilst Emma Hayes, the former Arsenal assistant manager and current technical director of professional US side Western Flash, has also declared her candidacy for the post.
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