Carpenter admits GB men's water polo team are always under the microscope

By Debbie Kaplan, Sportsbeat

WITH Great Britain's men's water polo team fighting to earn their place at London 2012, Scott Carpenter knows that every time he pulls on his trunks, his performance - and the rest of the teams' - will be put under the microscope.

BIG CLASH: Great Britain are only too aware of the importance of their forthcoming clash with Greece in Manchester

The team are up against it to qualify for next year's European Championships, an achievement that would help prove to the British Olympic Association they are worthy of a place at 2012.

Despite an automatic invite as host country, the BOA have made it clear they have no qualms in declining the offer if a number of sports, including water polo, do not show credible 2012 or 2016 performance potential.

So far in their 2011 European Championships qualifying matches, they have been downed 9-3 by Georgia, heightening the pressure on the forthcoming clash in Manchester against Greece.

But Carpenter admits the scrutiny every game GB play is under only adds to the determination for a top two finish in their three-team group.

"I think it spurs us on if anything. We know the games are important and we know what we need to do," said Carpenter.

"Obviously you're nervous before any international game but there's more riding on these so it makes us more passionate. We pull together and that's good.

"But we just have to worry about ourselves, control how well we play and do our best.

"Water polo is a growing sport in the UK and I think it would be fantastic for the country to have it in the Olympics.

"I think everyone would get involved in supporting the team so I don't see why it can't be there."