Stuart Pearce will be inspirational as GB football coach - Steven Taylor

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor has said England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce will be inspirational when he leads Great Britain at London 2012.

Pearce was named as the men's football team manager by the British Olympic Association on Thursday.

Taylor, who played under Pearce for the England Under-21s, said: "He was like Alan Shearer in the dressing room - when he speaks, you listen."

England coach Hope Powell will take charge of the women's team.

Asked if Pearce, 49, had the right qualities to manage the team, Taylor said: "When I was a player [for England Under-21's] his inspirational speeches were amazing. They'd get you up for the game straight away.

"What better man to take the job than Stuart Pearce?"

The men's event at the Olympics is for Under-23s, with three over-age players allowed within each 18-man squad.

Taylor, a former captain of the England Under-21s team, has turned 25 but said he was determined to be part of the London 2012 experience.

"I would love to be involved in that squad but it's very difficult. The talent in the English league is unbelievable but I've got to give it my best shot," he added.

There was an angry reaction from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in June this year when the BOA announced that a "historic agreement" had been reached with the English Football Association over fielding teams at the 2012 Games.

A collective statement from the other nations denied this was the case with Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan claiming there was "no appetite" from his association to take part.

But Taylor feels that the principle concerns over a loss of identity by the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland associations should be set-aside for the sake of fielding a representative British XI.

"It would be nice, I think [for a full British team]. To try to win you need your best players and hopefully you can get that gold medal," he said.

A "long-list" of potential players that could be called upon for the Team GB squad is expected to be published before the end of the year.

Among the players Pearce may well be working with in London is David Beckham, who has said frequently that he hopes to represent Britain at the Olympics.

The Olympic side is expected to play two friendlies before its first appearance at the Games since 1960.