BEIJING, Aug 6: Australian women’s field hockey striker Fiona Johnson was on Tuesday ruled out of the Beijing Olympics with a hamstring injury, dealing a major blow to the title clashing Hockeyroos.

“Johnson has been ruled out of her first Olympic Games, but will remain in Beijing to support her team-mates,” the Australian Olympic Committee said in a statement.

Shelly Liddelow, a 23-year-old forward, will replace Johnson in the 16-member squad.

Hockeyroos head coach Frank Murray said Johnson’s decision to stay in Beijing will bring a positive influence on the squad.

“She wants to be here and that is a positive move,” he said. “She is part of the junior leadership group and has a future, not only as a player but as a leader in this team long term.”

The Hockeyroos, one of the most successful teams in field hockey history, are looking for their fourth Olympic title after failing to win a medal at Athens four years ago.—AFP