Gareth Bale faces court battle to play for Britain in the 2012 Olympics!

Bale expressed his interest in representing Britain at the London Olympics earlier in the season by saying: "The Olympics would be a great opportunity for a young player like me to play in a major tournament. We all know Wales don't tend to qualify for too many of the big occasions."

The Football Association of Wales is looking to stop Welsh players representing Britain at the games because of fears that by releasing them they will jeopardise the country's status as an independent nation within the FIFA format. Scotland and Northern Ireland FA's also join the Welsh in worrying about losing their identity.

If Team GB were successful at the Olympics the home nations worry that there would be a call for Britain to represent at the large tournaments such as the World Cup and the European Championship.

Football at the Olympics is not as straight forward as you might think. The squad of 18 players must consist of 15 under the age of 23, whilst the other three could be your grandad if you wanted. Taking this in to consideration we try and work out who could be making up the team next year...

British Players who will be under 23 at 2012 Olympics

Alex Smithies - Huddersfield

Kieran Gibbs - Arsenal

Chris Smalling - Man United

Jack Wilshere - Arsenal

Kyle Walker - Aston Villa (loan from Spurs)

Jordan Henderson - Sunderland

Jack Rodwell - Everton

Marc Albrighton - Aston Villa

Danny Wellbeck - Sunderland (loan from Man U)

Connor Wickham - Ipswich

Freddie Sears - West Ham

Daniel Sturridge - Chelsea

Aaron Ramsey - Arsenal

Gareth Bale - Spurs

Danny Wilson - Liverpool