CIARAN WILLIAMS (Handball) WHO? Former Haslingden High School pupil Williams, 24, has been involved with handball from an early age, as both parents played for GB. A former national captain, Williams is the playmaker of the team. Capped 29 times.

IN THE GB TEAM? The ‘long list’ handball squad is due to be announced in early June, but as one of his country’s leading players, Williams is practically guaranteed a coveted spot.

MEDAL? Great Britain have been set the target of reaching the quarter finals which will mean winning two of their group games. Anything beyond that will be considered a bonus.

QUOTE: You don’t want to take anything for granted but you can’t help but think about the Olympics with them being so close. You can almost taste them. Playing in front of 7,500 fans is something I really want to do.