SELKIRK hockey star Sarah Robertson has been included in the Great Britain hockey squad as preparations begin for the 2020 Olympics.

Danny Kerry's team won gold at the Rio Games last year.

And this week he named his 33-player squad to defend the title in Tokyo.

Law student Sarah, who studies at Edinburgh University, narrowly missed selection for the 2016 Olympics squad after spending almost two years with the squad.

But with more than 60 caps for Scotland as well as eight appearances for Great Britain, the 23-year-old is tipped to make the breakthrough during this cycle.

Following the selection announcement Sarah said: "I am delighted to be named in the squad heading towards Tokyo 2020.

"I'm now looking forward to finishing my degree and getting started!"

On the back of an unexpected Olympic gold in Rio and with a home World Cup in London in the summer of 2018, these are very exciting times for the British women's squad.

Sarah is joined in the 33-player squad by fellow Scots Nicola Cochrane and Amy Costello.

Head coach Kerry believes he has the right mix of experience and youth as he builds for Tokyo.

He said: "Following a number of months of assessment within our centralised programme we have selected a new initial squad for the Tokyo cycle. "We have, I feel, a good depth of skilful, committed, smart, and athletic athletes who are eager to learn, develop and build on the legacy and momentum of the Rio Olympic cycle.

"As part of this group we have also retained an excellent core from the previous cycle, who no doubt will play a key role in passing on the values and behaviours that drive performance whilst evolving the culture for the coming cycle."