• London Olympics 2012

Rodwell rues Olympic snub

Jack Rodwell has won full England honours © Getty Images

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Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell has expressed his disappointment at being overlooked for Stuart Pearce's Team GB squad at London 2012.

Rodwell, 21, has won two England caps, but missed out on a place in Pearce's 18-man party for the Games after struggling with a hamstring problem last season.

"It is a disappointment but I think it's good for me to get a pre-season as well," Rodwell told Everton's official website.

"Obviously I would have liked to have played but I feel like I'm in the right place now, I'm feeling fit, I'm doing a good pre-season and hopefully I'm ready to go for the first game of the season.

"I just want to stay injury-free and get a good run of games because everyone wants to stay injury free. I don't know if it will happen but, touch wood, it won't happen again."

Meanwhile, Jordi Alba looks set to take his place in Spain's Olympic team despite Barcelona, who he has recently joined from Valencia, objecting to his involvement. Alba played a starring role as Spain took home the Euro 2012 trophy.

"Jordi has been our player for a very short time. It is clear that we haven't signed him for a summer, but for five seasons," Barcelona's sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta told AS. "However, we are looking for the best solution regarding the Olympic Games.

"We will speak with the Federation and look at the interests of everyone to choose the best option. Barcelona has to look out for its own interests in the short term, but also in the medium to long term."

Spain's Olympic team coach Luis Milla is confident Alba will be part of the 18-man squad that begins Spain's campaign against Japan in Glasgow on July 26.

"I am very calm," he said. "The player's stance is the same as ours. I spoke with the boy and he wants to come to the Games. We are not going to yield to anyone. We will evaluate the situation but both the Federation and Alba are quite clear in their position at this time."

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