Scholes could play in Olympics

The Manchester United midfielder was not among the players written to by the Football Association before Christmas because he had not then come out of retirement and was not registered as a player.

However the 37-year-old could still be considered as a contender for one of three over-age places in Stuart Pearce's squad - the remainder will be made up of under-23 players.

If Scholes wishes to be considered he would have to contact the FA to make himself available, or Pearce could approach the United player himself.

Fellow thirtysomethings David Beckham and Ryan Giggs are among 184 of 191 players who have indicated they wish to be considered for the Olympics men's team.

Pearce will not pick any player for the Olympics who has been part of Fabio Capello's squad for Euro 2012 which means there is a greater chance that Giggs, 38, or 36-year-old Beckham, or indeed Scholes, could feature.