Having missed out on European Championship gold you might expect Surbiton captain Sarah Haycroft to hold a grudge or two - but she'll have none of it.

The 24-year-old failed to make selection for the Team GB squad that triumphed ovre the Netherlands in August to have the squad in title winning form ahead of the World League finals next month and the 2016 Olympics.

Goalkeeper Maddie Hinch was the hero at the Olympic Park as GB won 3-1 in a shootout after the scores had finished 2-2.

The squad were rewarded with the Sky Sports/Sunday Times Sport team of the year award this week to go with a month off from international duty in September.

The success puts Team GB among the favourites for a medal in Brazil next year and former Kingston Grammar School student Haycroft revealed the tight-knit nature of the squad backs up that claim.

“After all the excitement of European Championships, the whole squad were allowed September off and I was able to get away on holiday with some of the girls,” she said in her exclusive column for the Surrey Comet this week.

“Our heroic goalkeeper, Maddie [Hinch], who saved the penalties that won the trophy, plus Sophie Bray, Steph Elliott and I jetted off to the Canary Islands for some sun and relaxation.

“Steph and I had watched on as Sophie and Maddie won their gold medals, as proud team-mates and friends.

“It is a testament to the strength of our squad and friendships that there was never going to be any issues on holiday because two of us didn't get selected whilst the other two did.”

Great Britain head to the World League finals in Argentina next month with Rio looming large in the minds of all concerned.

“To go to Rio has always been an aspiration of mine yet it felt so far away,” she added.

“Now it is within touching distance.

“People talk about the pressure that the Olympics bring and how difficult and intense this build up will be, but I am excited.

“It gives you that extra motivation to train to your very best and put yourself in the best possible position to be selected. This is what it is all about, vying for a place in the Olympics.”

Meawhile, Surbiton will go into this week’s Women's Hockey League Premier Division top of the table clash with leaders the University of Birmingham in excellent form after winning 5-0 at Holcombe on Saturday afternoon.

Jo Hunter (two), Giselle Ansley, Charlotte Calnan and Abi Robinson got the goals, while goalkeeper Amy Gibson secured a first clean sheet since her summer switch from Slough.

* 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