New signing Ryan Nelsen will miss the build-up to Queens Park Rangers’ season after being named today in New Zealand’s Olympic squad.
The 34-year-old, who was a free agent, agreed his transfer on Monday after four months at Tottenham.
Defender Nelsen will captain the side, who play pool matches against Belarus, Egypt and Brazil.
Manager Neil Emblen, the former Wolves midfieler, said: “Ryan’s influence in particular will be massive for a group that includes players as young as 17.
“Any time you can include a player in your squad who was regarded as one of the best at the last World Cup is a boost for your side’s chances.”
The Olympic final is on August 11, a week before the start of the Premier League season. West Ham refused to let defender Winston Reid play for New Zealand at the Games.
