by Alex Hoad

Hockey star Ashley Jackson said he cannot wait to play infront of the home crowd at the Olympics after being named in TeamGB for London 2012.

The 24-year-old former Sutton Valence School, Maidstone, pupil was selected for his second Games on Wednesday afternoon and revealed he was confident about Great Britain's chances of a medal in the men's event.

The attacker - who began his hockey career with Tunbridge Wells - said: "I'm very happy to be selected for the Olympics.

"Ever since we played the Test Event in front of a home crowd (in early May) it's been very exciting to imagine how great the home support will be this summer."

He added: "It has been a long, long few years of training and many highs and lows during that period but I'm feeling very confident about our chances over the summer.

"We have a very talented group of players through 1 to 27 and it's a real shame that only 16 places are available."

The attacking midfielder - twice named in the world team of the year and a former world young player of the year - is a short-corner specialist and has scored 66 goals in 123 international appearances for England and Great Britain combined.

The Chatham-born star also inspired GB to victory in the 2009 European Championships in Germany.

Great Britain begin their Olympic campaign against Argentina at the Riverbank Arena on Monday, July 30.

Do you think Ashley Jackson can inspire GB to a medal at London 2012? Have your say below.