Both Fletchers in Team GB’s plans, but Stuart Pearce ‘saddened’ by SFA stance

TEAM GB football coach Stuart Pearce said he would have no problem picking Steven Fletcher for his Olympic side despite the striker’s stand-off with Scotland manager Craig Levein, and said it was “saddening” that the concept of an all-British side had not been embraced by the SFA.

Pearce also revealed that Scotland captain Darren Fletcher remains a possible target for selection as the Manchester United midfielder bids to recover from the chronic bowel illness which has forced him to take an extended break from football.

Former England captain Pearce, who will soon try to assemble a squad from a long-list of potential players that have already been contacted, said he was saddened rather than frustrated at the constant refusal of the Scottish, Northern Irish and Welsh football associations to give their blessing to Team GB for this summer’s Olympics.

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All three associations have discouraged their players from taking part in the tournament, fearful of their independent status within Fifa. “I find it saddening,” said Pearce in an interview with Real Radio. “I wouldn’t say frustrating. I think the bottom line is that it is down to the players. If the only reason behind that is the sovereignty of the footballing nations then there has not been anyone from Fifa or Uefa saying that we’re going to put them under threat.

“I’m not overly sure where that is coming from. I find it a little bit sad, but hey, that’s the way it is. As I’ve seen many time before people sit both sides of the fence on an argument.”

A number of Levein’s squad have been formally approached to request their availability for this summer’s Games in London, including Old Firm stars Scott Brown, James Forrest, Allan McGregor, Steven Naismith and Steven Whittaker, along with Kenny Miller, Steven Fletcher, Stephen McManus and Barry Robson. But SFA chief executive Stewart Regan this week warned that Scotland’s Olympic football hopefuls could suffer the wrath of the Tartan Army if they turn out for Team GB.

Pearce added: “I hope it is without foundation. I think anyone who wants to better themselves – take my experience. Three tournaments in 12 years of international football. They come around so rarely it is frightening and probably more so the Scottish, the Northern Irish and the Welsh, maybe. We have a situation where we have an opportunity to showcase your talent as a player at a major finals in front of, hopefully, full houses of football supporters and Olympic supporters. So I think it will be a great tournament, I really do.

“The support I want is from the players. The players will be the ones we ask to come to represent us. If somewhere down the line, they say they have had a rethink about it we wouldn’t consider them and go with someone else.”

Pearce would have no qualms about picking Steven Fletcher, despite his impasse with Levein. Fletcher has not been picked for Scotland since texting an SFA official to say he did not want to be considered for the Carling Nations Cup tie against Northern Ireland in February last year.

When asked if he would have any reservations about selecting Fletcher under the circumstances, Pearce said: “No, of course not because he has not fallen out with me. Anyone that’s on that long squad, we’ll be looking at.”

Pearce will also monitor the situation regarding Manchester United’s Fletcher. “He’s an outstanding player,” Pearce said. “Take myself out the equation as Team GB manager, I just wish to see him back as quickly as possible. It’s a real shame at the moment but we’re following that situation.”

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Pearce also admitted that the selection of three overage players in his squad – which will have 18 players plus four on stand-by – will be influenced by England manager Fabio Capello’s choice of players for Euro 2012, none of whom will be considered for the Olympics.

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