Great Britain head coach Danny Kerry admitted selecting his squad for next month’s World League semi-finals was a tough call – but that will come as little comfort to Surbiton captain Sarah Haycroft.

The 24-year-old scored her first senior international goal against Japan before Christmas as England finished fifth at the Champions Trophy in Argentina.

But, despite leading Surbiton to the WHL Premier Division championship title in an unbeaten campaign, she is not in the 18-strong Team GB squad heading to Spain bidding to qualify for next year’s Olympics.

Kerry’s women must finish in the top six of the tournament to be among the 11 teams to qualify for the 2016 Games in Brazil.

They face Spain, Argentina, Canada and China in the pool stages of the competition in Valencia, which starts on June 10.

Haycroft is one of four who competed at the Champions Trophy but are left out of Kerry’s squad to make way for Scotland defender Emily Maguire, fit-again, Helen Richardson-Walsh, Kate Richardson-Walsh – back in training following a break from the game – and Nicola White.

“It’s been great to see such strong focus at training since last September,” said Kerry.

“There has been a great deal of competition for places, and the commitment and spirit across the squad is excellent.

“Selection should always be challenging and it is a testament to the depth of quality within the group that the staff have had many long meetings over the months to come to our final tournament squad.

“We have had multiple options for multiple positions and this has created a great deal of debate for the coaching staff.

“It is good news for the competitive nature of the squad and will stand us in good stead for the upcoming challenges, not least that of securing a place in the Olympic Games in Rio.”

Clubmates Giselle Ansley – who could win her 50th international cap during the tournament – Georgie Twigg and Hollie Webb are all on the plane to Spain.