Surbiton skipper Sarah Haycroft says she is hungrier than ever to earn selection for the Team GB women’s hockey squad heading to next year’s Olympics.

The 24-year-old did not make the cut for the 18-strong squad that won the World League semi-finals tournament in Valencia last month.

Haycroft led the Sugden Road outfit to an undefeated league and cup campaign last season and also scored her maiden senior international goal for her country at the Champions Trophy in Argentina in December.

But she was forced to look on from afar as clubmates Georgie Twigg, Hollie Webb and Giselle Ansley won seven out of seven matches in Spain to qualify for the Rio Games in 2016.

And the former Kingston Grammar School student, who spent the tournament training at Bisham Abbey, admits the disappointment of missing out will spur her on to greater heights next term.

“Non-selection is a really challenging time and during the last two years I have experienced it more than I have ever done throughout my hockey career,” she said in her exclusive column for the Surrey Comet this week.

“However, I do feel as though I am becoming a better hockey player and also a better person because of it.

“If you are not challenged and not tested you can drift through life not fully appreciating what you are doing or what blessings you have.

“This particular non-selection has made me hungrier than ever to get back in the team and fight for my place in the Rio squad.

“When you are tested and challenged it makes you question what you really want, and my desire to participate in an Olympic Games has only got stronger.”

The England squad will re-assemble for the European Championships at the Olympic Park in August and Haycroft sees that is an important step in making sure she is on the plane for Brazil next summer.

“The European Championships bring back good memories for me, being a part of the silver medal winning team two years ago,” she added.

“Selection will be tough, especially as the girls performed so well in Valencia, but I will take every opportunity to prove myself and fight for my place in the team.”

* Investec, the specialist bank and asset manager, support women's hockey from grass roots level through to the national team - investec.co.uk/hockey or on Twitter @Investec_Sport