Kirkham eyes London 2012 podium with two years to go

By Tom Reynolds, Sportsbeat

GREAT Britain might have been downed by old enemies Germany at last week's Four Nations tournament - but Glenn Kirkham insists his London 2012 dream is alive and kicking.

FUTURE'S BRIGHT: Gleen Kirkham is optimistic of Great Britain's medal chances with two years to go until the London 2012 Olympics

Kirkham and co opened up a two-goal lead and looked to be on their way to a comfortable victory against the Olympic champions in the Nottingham final, but eventually went down 3-2.

It was a painful case of déjà vu for the 27-year-old as earlier this year Kirkham - then representing England - bowed out in the World Cup semi-finals against Germany, losing 4-1.

But unlike England's footballers, Kirkham believes the hockey side can hold their chins up high in the face of German defeat.

"It is great to be able to play in a tournament as Great Britain and the more chances we get to do that between now and 2012 then the stronger we will be at the Olympics," said Kirkham.

"It is all about building towards 2012 and looking at how we can be a better team by then and how we can challenge for medals.

"We had two lads in the team for the first time. One 17 and one 18. I was really impressed by them - especially when I think how I was when I first came in as a youngster.

"I am sure there are going to be more players who put their hands up before 2012 as well and that is only a good thing for Great Britain's chances.

"It was a competition that we wanted to win but winning wasn't the most important thing to get out of the competition because we were trying other things as well."