DENG IN THE CLEAR AS GB 14 ANNOUNCED
08/12/2008 Chicago Bulls star Luol Deng expected to get all-clear to train with GB

CHICAGO Bulls star Luol Deng is expected to receive the all-clear to start training with the GB national team in the next 48 hours.

But he flies with the rest of the GB squad to Italy today (tues) and should be cleared to play in warm-up games against Estonia, Belgium and the hosts over the next week.

Deng said: "It has been frustrating just sitting and watching the guys practise but I have had no choice in the matter.

"I have made a point of being around the team, getting to know the guys and the plays we are running and now I can't wait to be able to get out there and play."

The GB team, skippered by Andrew Sullivan, have named seven new caps in a 14-man squad as they prepare for September's European Championship qualifiers.

GB: K Achara, A Betts, E Boateng, F Boyd, L Deng, J Freeland, N George, J Hart, D Larkai, S Leven, P Mensah-Bonsu, R Midgley, N Reinking, A Sullivan.