McClenahan targets Beijing

7:39pm Friday 20th June 2008

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TRENT McClenahan faces the prospect of missing the start of Hereford United’s season as he bids to be included in Australia’s Olympic squad.

The full-back is yet to commit his future to the Bulls after playing a key role in their promotion from League Two and manager Graham Turner is still waiting for a response.

However, McClenahan is currently in his home country preparing for two crucial matches in the run-up to the Beijing Games in August.

McClenahan has been named in the Olyroos under 23s squad to face Chile in two pre-tournament friendlies at Darwin Football Stadium on Friday, June 27 and Sunday, June 29.

The fixtures are part of a training camp ahead of the Olympics, at which the 33-man party will be whittled down to 18 for the trip to Beijing. Should McClenahan make the cut, he would be in Asia for the tournament, which runs from August 6 to 23, and miss some of the Bulls’ pre-season programme and the start of the League One campaign.

Turner’s side begin their quest at Leyton Orient on Saturday, August 9, and are due to play four further fixtures before September.

McClenahan is one of several English-based players in the Olyroos set-up and could yet face competition for a place from former Liverpool and Leeds midfielder Harry Kewell.

Under Olympic rules, three players over the age of 23 can be selected and Kewell has made it known he would like to be considered.

Australia have been tipped for at least a bronze medal finish in Beijing.