ODIHAM hockey star Alex Danson has been selected for the Great Britain team for the World League semi-final in Valencia which runs from June 10 until June 21.

The top three team from this event will automatically qualify for the Rio Olympics next year and Great Britain will be keen to make to Brazil having won bronze at London in 2012.

The 30-year-old forward who plays for Reading is part of a 18 strong squad for the tournament Spain, which is their first chance to to secure Olympic qualification.

Great Britain have been drawn in an opening pool with hosts Spain, Argentina, Canada and China and there is also a place in the World League final up for grabs.

Great Britain head coach Danny Kerr said: "There has been a great deal of competition for places, and the commitment and spirit across the squad is excellent.

"Selection should always be challenging and it is a testament to the depth of quality within the group that the staff have had many long meetings over the months to come to our final tournament squad.

He added: "We have had multiple options for multiple positions and this has created a great deal of debate for the coaching staff.

"It is good news for the competitive nature of the squad and will stand us in good stead for the upcoming challenges, not least that of securing a place in the Olympic Games in Rio.”

If Great Britain fail to finish in the top three in Valencia, they will still have another chance to make it to the Olympics at Rio, as winners of the Unibet EuroHockey Championship.

This tournament takes place at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre between August 21 until August 30 with 16 of the top teams in Europe taking part.

So Danson is in for a busy summer with Great Britain, but hopefully it will be a successful one for the player who grew up in Odiham.