MARVIN Sordell has set his sights on the top prize after gaining a once in a lifetime call-up to the Great Britain Olympic squad.

The Wanderers striker was a surprise selection in many people’s eyes as Stuart Pearce named an 18-man squad to compete at this summer’s games.

Sordell’s chances at the Reebok had been limited since making a £3million switch from Watford in January – but his international form for Pearce’s England Under-21s last season was enough to see him selected alongside Craig Bellamy and former Whites loanee Daniel Sturridge as Team GB’s main attacking options at the 16-team tournament.

Sordell had been named on the initial 100-name shortlist and survived two more cuts before finally being able to announce the good news of his selection yesterday afternoon.

“To be able to go to the Olympics is a once in a lifetime opportunity, no matter what sport you play,” he said.

“I know Stuart Pearce very well and he called me a few days ago to say that I was in the squad. He told me to keep everything under wraps until it was announced but he wanted me to make sure that I was ready.

“I believe that we won’t be going there to make up numbers but to try and push for the gold medal. Should that happen, it would certainly be something amazing to look back on later in my career.”

Team GB will compete in the football competition for the first time since 1960, but Pearce’s selection process has been made all the more complicated by withdrawals and internal politics.

Scottish and Irish Football Associations have both expressed their doubts over a unified team, while several Premier League clubs have also voiced their concern over releasing players at this stage of pre-season.

In the end, the squad is comprised of 13 English and five Welsh players - but for a born and bred Londoner like Sordell, the opportunity to compete in the Olympics is one he intends to embrace.

“t means even more that the games are in London too where I’m from – it’s unbelievable,” he said.

“I have only been included in the squad so far at this moment. Hopefully I will be able to go there and play my part. I want to stake my claim for a place in the team, push on and impress people.

“I’ve always been one to train hard and work as hard as I can do, so hopefully I will get an opportunity.”