Pearce impressed by leader Giggs

Great Britain coach Stuart Pearce has hailed the influence of his captain Ryan Giggs ahead of the Olympic Games in London.

The Manchester United stalwart, who captained Wales between 2004 and 2007, was one of Pearce’s three ‘over age’ picks for London 2012, with Giggs’ former United team-mate David Beckham a surprise absentee.

Pearce has no doubt he made the right choice including Giggs, and handing the captain’s armband to the 38-year-old.

“He has all the credentials and he’s been absolutely fantastic,” Pearce told Radio Manchester.

“We’ve been out in Spain for five or six days, he has the full respect of his team-mates and his form last season was very good for Manchester United.”

According to Pearce, the players also have every confidence in their accomplished skipper.

“To know how the players are feeling is very important,” he said.

Britain face Brazil in a friendly on July 20 at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium before their opening match against Senegal, six days later at Old Trafford, Manchester.