Scholes in Olympic contention

Paul Scholes could still be part of the British Olympic football team at London 2012 despite not being on the original 191-player long-list, it can be disclosed.

The Manchester United midfielder was not among the players written to by the Football Association before Christmas because he had not then come out of retirement and was not registered as a player.

However, the 37-year-old could still be considered as a contender for one of three over-age places in Stuart Pearce's squad - the remainder will be made up of under-23 players - but if he wishes to be considered he would have to contact the FA to make himself available, or Pearce could approach the United player himself.

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