Rutter aiming to strike world gold (From Stroud News and Journal)

Rutter aiming to strike world gold

TOMMY RUTTER will be hoping it is third time lucky when he represents Great Britain next Wednesday against Iran at the World University Games in Izmir, Turkey.

Rutter, 28, a former Swindon Town, Gloucester City and Shortwood United player, currently plays football in America for Harrisburg Islanders, and represented his country in Beijing in 2001 and again in South Korea two years ago.

"I'm really hoping to win a gold medal at the games, said Rutter.

"In Beijing it was absolutely awesome playing in front of 30,000 fans, and I'm looking forward to the challenge again."

It could yet be a double success for the former Archway School pupil.

"My American club side are closing in on the championship and it would be fantastic to capture what would be my third straight national championship after the experience of Turkey.

Rutter is also studying for a masters degree at Georgia Southern University.

Rutters' coach at Harrisburg, Bill Becher said: "We would certainly prefer to have Tommy in our team, but we're thrilled that he has been invited to play for his country, and we're proud that the Harrisburg City Islanders have a chance to be represented on an international scale."

FORMER Forest Green defender Kevin Langan failed to make it into the final squad because he is currently undertaking his masters degree in San Antonio, Texas.