BARRY BANNAN last night became the first Scotland internationalist to put his head above the parapet and say he is minded to accept a call-up to Team GB in the London Olympics, should he make Stuart Pearce's squad.
The 22-year-old Aston Villa midfielder is one of a dozen Scots in the 80-name long list for the Olympic hosts, who were yesterday grouped with Senegal, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay. The squad of Under-23 players, which can also include three over-age players, will be cut to 35 by June 8 and then further reduced to a final squad of 18, with four reserves, by July 6.
Although the player has yet to consult Craig Levein, and would be reluctant to jeopardise his Scotland hopes, Bannan sees no problem combining playing under the British flag and returning to the Scotland fold later in the summer. The Olympic football competition runs until August 11, with the Scots due to meet Australia at Easter Road on August 15.
The SFA have refused co-operation as they are keen to protect their autonomy within Fifa although they are powerless to prevent players taking part. "I don't really see what the fuss is," he said. "It is like a select side that you used to play for when you were younger, with all the best players from around my area. I am Scottish at the end of the day, and always will be.
"It is going away for a few weeks, playing for Team GB, then when I come back I will hopefully be a Scotland internationalist. It is not like it is going to change or anything."
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