BBC SportOlympics

Ellis still hopes to make it to Beijing

Ellis had to return early after a knock on her shoulder led to lung problems.

The 26-year-old forward is now back in light training and hopes to be fit to play in a few weeks and expects to be ready for the Olympic warm-up matches.

"I'm getting myself back to fitness. It's taking time but should not be long," Ellis told BBC Radio Suffolk.

The injury happened when she was banged from behind in the first warm-up game in Australia and damaged her shoulder.

An Olympic medal would mean everything Jo Ellis

The following day she had breathing problems and had to go into hospital to have the lung drained which led to her returning home two weeks early.

Ellis added: "At the time the lung was more important, but the shoulder is taking more time to recover and I'm still rehabbing that.

"I am having to take things very carefully to avoid setbacks, so I am not yet back in full training and am taking things a day at a time."

I'm trying not to think of missing out on Beijing Jo Ellis

GB have games against Ireland and two tournaments before Olympic selection in June and the race is on for Ellis, who has over 100 international caps, to prove her fitness.

Ellis continued: "I've got lots of experience but I still feel that I can improve. I'm trying not to think of missing out on Beijing."

"An Olympic medal would mean everything. I'm dreaming of it now."