Rodgers backs Olympics plans

Wales internationals Joe Allen, Neil Taylor and Ashley Williams, plus on-loan defender Steven Caulker, have all received letters informing them they are candidates for inclusion in Team GB coach Stuart Pearce's squad.

Olympic selection is a thorny issue in Wales, with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) not wanting its players to take part, as it fears it will harm the individual status within FIFA.

Involvement in the games would also see the players miss the majority of pre-season, as the tournament takes place during July and August, although Caulker's fitness will not be a concern for Swansea, as he will have returned to Tottenham following the completion of his spell in South Wales.

And while Rodgers admits it would not be ideal for his players to miss so much of their preparations for the new campaign, he has no intention of denying them the chance to feature at a home Olympics.

"My feeling is if they have the opportunity to play, it's fantastic for them," he said.

"I have spoken to a number of them individually and there is a long way to go before selection, but it's something I encourage. If it's good enough for Lionel Messi, then I'm sure it's good enough for one or two others.

"It's a chance that might come once a in a lifetime for these players, and while it is not one of the top international tournaments, it will be at a good level. They will play against top players and that can only help them improve."

Ramsey

Meanwhile, Rodgers does not believe Aaron Ramsey should expect to be consulted over the recruitment of the next Wales manager.

Wales captain Ramsey, 21, said earlier this week he was disappointed that he and other senior players had not been contacted by the FAW over their search for a successor to Gary Speed, who died in November.

Ramsey also echoed Gareth Bale's assertion that the squad want Speed's assistants, Raymond Verheijen and Osian Roberts, to remain part of the staff under a new manager as they build towards their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Former Fulham and Coventry boss Chris Coleman is currently favourite to land the job after Ryan Giggs reportedly turned down an offer from the FAW.

Rodgers said: "I do not think they (the players) need to be asked, it's the job of the FAW.

"Aaron is entitled to have an opinion, he is the captain of his country, but the FAW will make their appointment.

"My point is I did not know you had to ask a player about an appointment.

"Aaron is a wonderful talent, so I am not being derogatory. He gave an opinion and that's credit to him, but I did not know a player had to be asked about an appointment."