Olympics: Tom Cleverley insists GB have ‘enough quality’

Published on 26/07/2012 00:00

Great Britain midfielder Tom Cleverley insists there is enough ability in Stuart Pearce’s squad to challenge for a medal.

GB get underway against Senegal at Old Trafford today as huge underdogs to end victorious at Wembley on 11 August. Brazil and Spain are assumed to be likely finalists, with Uruguay their most obvious challengers.

As Uruguay are Team GB’s final group stage opponents, a win is of paramount importance for Cleverley and his team-mates, and Cleverley has struck an optimistic chord.

“There is enough quality here,” said the Manchester United man. “There is everything in this squad, youth, experience, enthusiasm, speed, technical ability and a good manager.

“There is no reason why we can’t do well. It is a strong tournament, but if we work hard and turn up on the day, I am sure we will be amongst the medals.”

Coach Pearce has a fully-fit group of 18 for a match that has attracted over 70,000 fans.

That means Cleverley will be fit after a succession of injuries last term which wrecked an 
impressive start to his senior United career.

“I don’t want the tag of being injury prone,” he said. “I was unlucky last season. I was on the wrong end of a couple of bad tackles that ended up being long-term problems.

“To be back playing is all I want to do. It is all I work for. Being back for the Olympics makes it even sweeter. Hopefully I will have an injury-free season and win lots of silverware.”

Pearce has offered every member of his squad the opportunity to attend tomorrow’s opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium. Whether they will be in the mood to enjoy the extravaganza probably depends on how they get on against a Senegal side who rely on a very physical approach.