JAMES Fair is setting his sights on the 2012 London Olympic Games after coming desperately close to more international glory.

The 29-year-old goalkeeper from Pulford was part of the Great Britain side that had to settle for runners-up spot at the Four Nations Tournament in Nottingham following a 3-2 loss in the final to old enemies Germany.

It was a painful case of déjà vu for European champion Fair having been on the end of a World Cup semi-final defeat to the Germans earlier in the year, when representing England.

But unlike England’s footballers, the former Deeside Rambler believes hockey in the country is as strong as ever as the countdown to the Olympics begins.

“A couple of years back our aim was to be able to be challenging for the top four spots in international tournaments and, now we have done that, it is about pushing on even more ahead of London 2012,” said Fair, who won the EuroHockey Nations Championships with England last year after getting the better of Germany in the final.

“On a personal level I am having to constantly try to improve as well because I am well aware that there is a lot of competition for my spot in goal.

“But I don’t mind the competition because in the goalkeeping it has been around ever since I got into the England set up.”

Former King’s School, Chester, student Fair, who now plays his club hockey for Cannock, will be looking to add to his 62 England caps when he competes at the Champions Trophy in Germany, which gets under way on Saturday.

Visa is proud to be presenting partner of Team 2012, a team of 1,200 athletes across the UK who are aiming to compete at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. For more information go to www.lifeflowsbetter.com