MARVIN Sordell would have loved to be rubbing shoulders with David Beckham in the Team GB camp this summer.

By his own admission, the Wanderers striker was a surprise selection in Stuart Pearce’s 18-man squad for the games, which was announced this week.

And though some eyebrows were raised when his name appeared on the list, the reaction was nothing compared with Beckham’s omission, which made headline news around the world.

Sordell believes Beckham’s experience would have been a valuable asset.

“Everyone would say that if they are honest,” he said.

“People would have liked to watch Beckham, to go and see him live, and a lot of people in the squad would have liked to play with him.

“But I’m not going to stand and criticise the manager’s choice. It’s disappointing for him and I would have liked to play alongside him because he’s a very experienced player, but there are other experienced players in the squad.”

Sordell has a point to prove to his critics after failing to make a dent on the Wanderers first team when he joined the club midway through last season in a £3.2million deal from Watford.

And the 20-year-old says that disappointment has given him extra incentive to perform in the Olympics and beyond.

“I didn’t really get as many games as I’d like,” he said. “I wanted to be ready for this season because I’ve got a lot to prove. I’m raring to go - the Team GB call-up just adds to it.

“I understood the manager’s point of view. He didn’t put me in for a reason but he told me he wouldn’t have spent that much money on me if he didn’t think I was a good player.

“Things happen and it was unfortunate but everything happens for a reason, I think. This season I’m going to go out there and show everyone what I can do.

“The stage is there and the opportunity is there – I have just got to take it.”

Even without Beckham in the squad, Sordell is still enthusiastic about playing alongside the likes of Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy this summer.

And after giving up on his chances of getting tickets for the main event, the Whites striker is still pinching himself after being given a front row seat for the Olympics.

“I’d looked at getting tickets but found them hard to get, as many people have found,” he said. “Coming back for pre-season, I probably wouldn’t have gone.

“Now I’ve got a great opportunity. I am a big fan of Usain Bolt and I would liked to have seen him perform. But I am sure if I did see him I wouldn't be able to get anywhere near him.”