Mel Clewlow has ended speculation about her international hockey future by admitting she remains keen to continue playing at the highest level.

The 32-year-old Canterbury captain has told national head coach Danny Kerry that she remains available for selection – subject to being able to combine her hockey commitments with her job as sports development manager at the University of Kent .

The defender, who, with 179 England appearances, is the most-capped home international player, said: “Post Beijing I did not want to rush into a decision but at the moment I don’t particularly want to retire. After the Olympics it would have been easy to just plod along but I’m enjoying playing for my club and still have the appetite to play international hockey.”

Clewlow says she wants to continue playing for as long as she is fit and admits there are still plenty of incentives for her.

She added: “I know there is a lot of competition for my place but I’d love to stay around for a bit longer. This year there is the Champions Trophy and European Cup, and in 2010 the Champions Trophy will be in Nottingham and we also have the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

“Then there is the World Cup in Argentina and whenever you go there the atmosphere is crazy.”

Clewlow admits she is enjoying her role at the University, where she started in October, and hopes she can continue to play hockey without it effecting her job.

She added: “I need to sit down with my boss and say here are the dates what can I do? But hopefully between him, me and Danny, we will be able to match everything up.”