Beijing star ready to knuckle down in GB colours

LEICESTER midfielder Anne Panter admitted the time for holidays is over as her first Great Britain experience since the Olympics draws to a close in Spain.

AROUND THE WORLD: Panter has returned from Australia to link up with GB in Spain

The 24-year-old hasn't picked up a stick since guiding Britain to sixth in Beijing choosing to spend the backend of last year backpacking around Australia.

Panter started Britain's first 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Spaniards on Tuesday before sitting out the 2-2 draw in Valencia 24 hours  later.

But Panter insists there is no shortage of motivation on her part as she looks to sign off Britain's Spanish adventure with a win.

"This is the first real thing I have done since getting back from Australia," said Panter - who is GB's most experience member in Spain with 34 caps.

"I came back from Beijing not thinking I needed one but I decided that if I didn't take one then in a couple years I might not be feeling as fresh as I should.

"It was definitely the best thing for me - physically I've kept in good condition and I am raring to go with hockey and this trip has come at the perfect time."

Panter is lucky to still be playing hockey having damaged her ankle in a car crash in 2003 and suffered cruciate knee ligament damage two years later.

But despite an injury-ridden past Panter insists she is as fit as she has ever been and in the form of her life.

"Beijing was a great experience and although when we were there sixth it didn't look that appealing it does now," she added. "I loved the experience and I really feel I am getting the best out of myself."

RYAN BANGS