Great Britain captain Kate Richardson-Walsh has admitted that Crista Cullen's return to the sport will result in competition for places increasing ahead of next year's Olympic Games.
After helping the team to bronze at London 2012, Cullen announced her retirement but earlier this week, she revealed that she would begin her comeback as she aims for a spot in the squad for Rio.
Richardson-Walsh has acknowledged that the decision of the 79-cap defender will result in players fearing for their place in the side, but she believes that should be considered as a positive ahead of their appearance in Brazil.
The British skipper is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "Whether Crista gets in the team or makes other players push themselves, it is a positive.
"In the short term, that's hard to deal with but in the long term, with sending the best team possible to Rio in mind, it can only be a positive. At the same time, I think naturally as defenders, there is the reaction that she could take my place."
Cullen will take part in the team's autumn training camp.
Darren Plant
