Olympic & Paralympic Games London 2012

[Lineker]

Qualifies through marriage.

[METALMAN]

I don't want a foreigner representing me on such a shoddy ground. Thank goodness he has been banned.

[Lineker]

You're Scottish anyway. :/

[METALMAN]

and? :/

[Lineker]

Not British duh until we win something duh :/

[METALMAN]

wot

[Lineker]

Manchester United have said that Mexican striker Javier Hernandez will not play at the London Olympics.

Hernandez had initially been selected as one of Mexico's three over-age players for the tournament.

But Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson told the club's website: "We've agreed with the Mexican Football Association that he is going to get the rest he needs."

However, Mexico team director Hector Gonzalez Inarritu said: "Alex Ferguson denied Hernandez's participation."

Hernandez, who turns 24 on 1 June, will still play for Mexico in their World Cup qualifiers against Guyana and El Salvador at the start of June.

Mexico are in Group B for London 2012 and will play South Korea on 26 July, followed by games against Gabon and Switzerland.

Ferguson believes Hernandez's form has suffered since he played for Mexico in last summer's Gold Cup.

"His form last season [2010-11] was fantastic," said the Scot. "He's found the second year more difficult, but a lot of that is down to not having a summer break for three years and playing every summer for his country.

"Next year he will be fine as we have agreed that he is going to get the requisite rest to perform in the Premier League."

[Lineker]

Manchester United have given Ryan Giggs the go-ahead to play for Team GB at the Olympics but will not allow any of their other over-age players to do so.

The ex-Wales captain is believed to be on a shortlist of 80 for Team GB.

It is understood United have contacted the Football Association to say coach Stuart Pearce cannot select their over-age players, apart from Giggs.

The FA say they subsequently informed the club that Giggs was the only over-age United player being considered.

United have also said that Mexican striker Javier Hernandez will not play at the London Olympics.

Hernandez had initially been selected as one of Mexico's three over-age players for the tournament but Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson said the striker needed to rest.

And the club have ruled out Team GB coach Pearce picking Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Jonny Evans for the Olympic tournament at London 2012 as over-23 players.

A 2008 Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling states clubs have the right to refuse to release players for the competition as it is not on the international calendar, but United are only taking that position on their over-age players.

Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling could be part of the Olympic squad if they are not picked for the England Euro 2012 squad.

Giggs won 64 caps for Wales between 1991 and 2007 but never played in a major international tournament.

The 38-year-old has previously indicated he would accept an invitation so long as the Football Association of Wales did not oppose him doing so.

The FAW fear Team GB could threaten their independence and, although they oppose Welsh internationals featuring at the Olympics, they have said they will not stop them from taking part.

[METALMAN]

Ryan Giggs, like David Beckham, is not one of the three best over-23 players that are potentially available to Stuart Pearce. So he shouldn't be picked anyway.

[TCO]

Ryan Giggs never said no to a pity vote before.

[Adam]

Ryan Giggs, like David Beckham, is not one of the three best over-23 players that are potentially available to Stuart Pearce. So he shouldn't be picked anyway.

Sometimes it's not all about the football quality. Experience can be vital and I think the influence of Giggs and Beckham on a bunch of young guys who have never been to a major tournament before will be invaluable. Those guys have played in some of the biggest matches on the planet, and plenty of them.

[METALMAN]

There's far better players with the experience though.

[Adam]

Jesus that was a fast reply

You might be right, but out of curiosity who would you choose as the 3 overage players? Bearing in mind that the policy has been decided not to take anybody to both the Euros and the Olympics.

[METALMAN]

Yeah, you'd be surprised how much attention I pay to EWB when the alternative is filling out hundreds of job applications.

I dunno really. It should be more than a David Beckham fairwell tour - these overage spots should be reserved for people that can still play. People like Joe Cole, Craig Bellamy, Chris Brunt, Steven Fletcher...

I'd take three from those four, just to keep things equitable.

[The Lusophone]

There's far better players with the experience though.

Name them.

[Colly]

Hasn't he just done that? I'm not in agreement with all of them, but the intents there.

[Adam]

Yeah, he did that in the post above Jack.

Got to say I'd rather we take Giggs and Beckham than Brunt and Joe Cole to be honest.

[METALMAN]

There's far better players with the experience though.

Name them.

This is why I hate you. :/

[The Lusophone]

I was hoping his 'far better players with the experience' weren't Brunt, Cole, Fletcher and Bellamy.

Cos, y'know, they're not.

[METALMAN]

But you are so rude! Let's compare the approaches taken by you and Adam, both of whom wanted to find out my picks for overage players.

Adam:

You might be right, but out of curiosity who would you choose as the 3 overage players?

MadandRude Jack:

Name Them

SO RUDE

I'm not your stepping stone.