A YOUNG hockey player has found himself thrust into the limelight after being called up for Great Britain’s Olympic squad.

Ashley Jackson, 20, from Kings Hill, was named as the youngest member of the 16-man squad destined for Beijing.

With his new-found celebrity status, Ashley has now found himself featured

in this month’s Esquire magazine, where he is described as “the David Beckham of hockey”.

The midfield playmaker, who went to Sutton Valence School and has returned there to coach youngsters in recent years, seemed somewhat under-impressed with his new fame.

He said: “I had to dress up in all this Paul Smith stuff and these Doc Martens boots. They were so big and uncomfortable that I could hardly walk for two days afterwards.”

Ashley, who plays for East Grinstead, added: “If I had to choose, I would like my profile to be raised by being the best player at the Olympics or being the top goalscorer, but it is important to raise your profile, and the profile of the sport, if you can.”