Swansea City Adnan Maric Rio 2016 Olympics Brazil

Swansea City youngster Adnan Maric has been called into Sweden's Olympic squad for the 2016 Rio Games next month.

The 19-year-old, who joined the Swans Academy in August 2014, will join the Under-23 national side as an 'alternate player' in Portugal later this month before heading to Brazil for the first game on August 4.

They face Columbia, Japan and 1996 Olympic gold medal winners Nigeria in Group B.

And Maric, who has represented Sweden at an Under-17s and 19s level, expressed his delight at being handed the chance to represent his nation at an Olympic Games.

"I am so happy, proud and very excited to be a part of this big opportunity," said the midfielder, who signed a new three-year contract with the Swans in March.

"Next to the World Cup and European Championships, it is the biggest tournament you can represent your nation in football on a global stage.

"It has been a good year for me with the Swans and it was amazing to get a call up to represent my country at the Olympic Games.

"It was hard to believe when I did get told. Having the chance to play in an U23s tournament will be a huge step up for me. I have been given a great opportunity and it is one I must take advantage of."

If selected to play for the full squad whilst in Rio, Maric would follow in the footsteps of five other Swans stars to represent their nations at a major tournament this summer including Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, Lukasz Fabianski, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jefferson Montero.

"It has been a good summer for Swans players at tournaments over the past few weeks," Maric added. "Ash and Neil Tayls impressed for Wales and hopefully I can continue that run with Sweden.

"We know we have a tough group but there is no pressure on us. We want to go in with the right mentality and go as far as we can.

"The Olympics is an unbelievable event. I always watched it growing up.

"If we do manage to get on the podium it will be a memory for life."