Chesterfield boss Lee Richardson fears he could lose centre half Downes until September.

The 23-year-old is pushing for a place in Graham Arnold's squad for the tournament which kicks off in August.

However, his club manager Lee Richardson can only see a situation where he is without a key player for the start of the new English season.

Richardson told BBC Radio Sheffield: "It's between him and another player for the Olympics, and it would create a problem for us.

"It's a learning curve for me regarding Australian and international players, because it is clearly a disadvantage."

Chesterfield have been quick to add reinforcements at the back with the capture of experienced duo Robert Page from Huddersfield and Swansea's Kevin Austin.

However Richardson remains unhappy at the prospect of losing a defender for the opening of the new season.

He said: "It's no use to us at all but I'm sure for him, his career and Australia it's fine

"It would be a problem for us as we will be without a player until September, if he is selected."

Downes featured for the Olyroos recently as Arnold's men reached the final of the Intercontinental Cup where they lost to Nigeria.