Shearer Backs Cisse For Olympics!

Last updated : 29 May 2012 By Footy Mad - Editor

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Senegal have hinted Cisse and Newcastle team-mate Demba Ba are likely to be included in coach Alou Cisse’s squad, which faces Team GB in its first game on July 26.

The Olympic football tournament is mainly for players aged 23 and under but each nation is also allowed to name three overage players in their 18-man squad, which would allow the likes of David Beckham and Ryan Giggs to be included in Team GB.

Cisse: “The Olympics is a very important competition, look at players like Ryan Giggs and David Beckham who have achieved such great things in their careers and want to win it.

“My concern is that I might take the place of a young player in the team. I think that this would be hard, like if I was being replaced in the World Cup Squad.

“I think that the emphasis should be on young players enjoying the competition. But if the management team want me to play I will be proud to do so.”

Alan Shearer: "It is a great chance for him.

"I missed out on that, and I wish I had been given the opportunity.

"I'm still available if they want an over-aged player for England. Although I'm past my best, ha."

Senegal have been drawn in Group A with Team GB, Uruguay and the UAE. The Olympic competition runs from July 26-August 11, with the final taking place a week before the Premier League campaign kicks off on August 18.

The final group games are completed on August 1, and the players could be away longer if they make the knock-out stages.

And that will cause a headache for managers preparing for the start of the league season, with many of the players involved in the Olympics missing a number of pre-season friendlies.