WHEN Wendy Martin hung up her football boots at the end of last season, she was ready to watch her dream of representing her country disappear.

But fast-forward five months and the Basildon-born midfielder is getting ready to play for Team GB at the inaugural World Beach Games in Doha.

Martin, 36, thought her footballing journey had come to an end when she called time on her eight-season long career at Tottenham Hotspur, having helped the club gain promotion to the Women’s Super League last summer.

But then, out of the blue, she received a phone call from Perry Northeast - the GB women’s beach soccer team head coach - and before she knew it, her dream had come back alive.

“One of my dreams has always been to represent my country,” said Martin.

“I’ve had a huge amount of achievement in grass football but I never made it to the very top level.

“When I retired, I thought that dream was over but it just proves if you keep working hard and take opportunities that come your way, you never know what’s going to happen.

“I’m honoured to be representing my country and seeing my dream finally come true.”

And Martin is confident of success.

“I’d love to win the gold medal and there is nothing else in my mind,” said Martin.

“We’ve got a very talented team, there’s a great team spirit and I think we’ve got a chance. I was part of the Tottenham squad that got promoted to the Women’s Super League last season, but this is a different challenge altogether.”

>Follow the team @TeamGB on social media and at TeamGB.com