A Sussex player will learn this week if her Olympics dream is still on course.

Frances Houslop, from Horsted Keynes, finds out on Friday if she has been selected for the British squad that will attempt to qualify for Athens in New Zealand next month.

Frances, 21, is taking part in final trials at Bisham this week and plays in a Test match against Russia on Thursday.

She said: "Four of us are fighting for two reserves places along with the first choice 18 for the qualifiers. But injuries, loss of form and other factors could mean selection is changed around.

"Whatever happens, the coaches think I've got a chance of going to Athens if we qualify.

"But I don't worry about selection. I take an open-minded view. I focus on what I can control. I've learnt that as long as you give your all that's all you can do. The other stuff will take care of itself.

"If I get to the Olympics it will be awesome. I will be ready if selected because I've had a lot of experience over the past three years (72 caps).

If Frances does make it, the first person she will contact is identical twin Christina who is also a high class player.

She said: "Without her I wouldn't have played hockey. We've enjoyed playing together. We've always been close. She's my sister, my best friend and my inspiration."

Frances and Christina took up hockey at an after-school club at Felbridge Primary School and then joined East Grinstead.

Frances said: "We were naturals at lots of sports but preferred team sports. We made our debuts in an under-11s tournament at Horsham. I didn't know the rules and lined up for the start like I would for netball, by marking my opposite number.

"I looked around and saw I was the only player in the opposition half and realised my mistake! But we did win the event.

"We would win most of the tournaments and Christina and I scored loads of goals."

The twins played together for Ardingly College, Sussex, the South and won gold medals for England at the European Under-18s Cup.

Frances said: "We have a telepathy. Whenever we have played together, I just know where Christina is.

I can sense where her pass is going without looking. I know what she's going to do before she does anything.

"We enjoy playing beside each other and getting selected. We've brought the best out of each other."

The twins were both students at Ardingly College and do the same degree (estate management) at the same university (Oxford Brookes).

But their hockey careers have gone in different directions in recent months.

Christina peaked when helping England win a silver medal at the European Under-21 Championships but Frances has been fast-tracked into the senior set-up.

Frances said: "Christina was ill one year and got behind."

There are other reasons why they've diverged. Frances said: "Christina always analysed her performance during a game. I go out and just play. I think my way is more suitable for top level international hockey. There's also the 'right place, right time' aspect."

Level of commitment is another factor. Frances has taken a year off from her studies so she can concentrate on selection for the Olympics. Christina is continuing her studies and will complete her degree this summer.

Frances pined for her sister's on-field company when she helped England win a silver medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. She was also in the British team that finished fifth in the World Cup and Champions Trophy.

She felt the same on recent tours and training trips to America, Australia and South Africa.

"I miss playing with Christina. I'd love her to still be with me on trips.

"But we keep in touch no matter where I am in the world by email and she remains a great source of support."

Frances has adapted to life as an international hockey player without the person closest to her.

She is self-sufficient, will turn negatives into positives and dealing with dyslexia has taught her how to overcome adversity.

She said: "The Olympics is a worthwhile aim. If something is worth doing it's worth doing well. Preparation is everything."

Her experiences in Australia for five weeks just before Christmas shows the level of commitment needed to play at the top.

Frances said: "We dubbed it Camp Hell. We trained when we were under-fatigue, that is when you are pushed all the way when you are already knackered.

"It was so tough, you are physically sick after doing sprints, weights, shuffles, speed tests and endurance tests. It is painful but you know you'll never feel as bad during a game.

"I've been in the 'Chamber of Horrors', a set up to help oxygen supply, and worn ice pack jackets in high temperatures to keep the body from overheating.

"We are proper athletes and hopefully it'll pay off with an Olympic medal. It will make it feel worthwhile."