SWINDON Wildcats forward Floyd Taylor has been added to the Great Britain Under-20s squad for next week's World Championship (Division 1B) in Dumfries.

Taylor was selected following the enforced withdrawal of Josh Cook on eligibility grounds.

The Wildcats youngster captained GB Under-18s last year and has made 23 appearances for his home town club this season.

Taylor's teammates Sam Godfrey and Ollie Betteridge will also play at the tournament, which begins on Monday and sees GB take on France, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.

Ice Hockey UK general secretary Andy French explained: "After submitting the long list to the IIHF, we received an email back advising that they needed additional paperwork with regards to Josh's eligibility.

“This was sent across to the IIHF and within 48 hours we were advised that he was not able to play, even though he has a British passport and his parents are British.

“This is because he did not meet IIHF bylaw 406, which states that a player has to play two consecutive years (730 days) in the UK after their 12th birthday.

“Josh played all his hockey in the UK for six years prior to his 12th birthday, but has not played in the UK since this time.

“Ice Hockey UK did appeal to the IIHF against the decision, but IIHF decision was upheld. We are disappointed with the outcome but we respect the IIHF decision.”

GB Under-20s head coach Pete Russell said: “I am disappointed to lose Josh but we have to understand and respect the ruling.

“Josh put in a lot of effort to come our training camps and is a very positive lad. He really wanted to play for GB but there is nothing we can do now.

“In Floyd Taylor we have very able replacement. Floyd is a previous national team captain and I have no doubt he can step up to the plate for the tournament next week.”