Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley 'buzzing' ahead of Olympics

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley hopes this summer's Olympics can give an early kick-start to his season.

The 22-year-old's first full season in Sir Alex Ferguson's side, having impressed on loan at Wigan the previous campaign, was wrecked by ankle injuries.

And having been called into the England squad for the first time last August but not yet been able to play, Cleverley wants to put himself back in the international frame at London 2012.

"I'm buzzing about it. I cannot wait," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"It is a great way for me to bounce back after the disappointment of not going to the Euros with England.

"It's a young squad, apart from the older-age players, and after England's Euro 2012 experience a lot of people are talking about putting the accent on youth.

"This is a chance for me to remind people early. They've put trust in us and I want to repay that faith."

Cleverley added: "I need to hit the ground running for the new season and this is a great chance for me.

"The manager [Sir Alex Ferguson] was happy for me that I was shortlisted and had no problems about me being in the Olympics if chosen.

"I will miss United's pre-season tour and, ideally, I would have liked to do both.

"But after my injury spell out last season, Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick were doing so well I didn't get much game time.

"So I need minutes on the pitch and I feel that playing in high-stake competitive matches like I'll get at the Olympics is right for me.

"I am very excited about it and I just want to have a good tournament. It's a fantastic opportunity and a great boost."

PA