Reigning Olympic bronze medallists Canada have named their 18 player roster for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Led by veteran captain Christine Sinclair, John Herdman has selected a squad that combines experience and youth across the pitch.

"I believe that the combination of the young players that we’ve brought into the team and the culture that’s been created by the veterans, will give us a chance to really have a push in Rio,” said Herdman.

"We will have to be at our best in every match to progress through this Olympic tournament. It will be about producing personal bests."

Canada, who qualified by finishing second in the 2016 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Championship, joins Australia, Germany and Zimbabwe in Group F.

Canada will be looking to return to the podium after a surprise bronze medal at London 2012 on the back of stellar performances from Christine Sinclair.

“I’m excited. This will be my third Olympics and it is an honour every single time," said Sinclair.

"The young players coming into this Olympic squad have brought an energy and passion to our team and they have risen the bar. I am excited to do whatever I can to help take this team to the podium.”

Canada opens their Olympic campaign against Australia on 3 August 2016 at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo.

Canada Rio 2016 Olympics Roster

Janine Beckie, Josée Bélanger, Kadeisha Buchanan, Allysha Chapman, Sabrina D’Angelo (GK), Jessie Fleming, Stephanie Labbé (GK), Ashley Lawrence, Diana Matheson, Nichelle Prince, Rebecca Quinn, Deanne Rose, Sophie Schmidt, Desiree Scott, Christine Sinclair, Melissa Tancredi, Rhian Wilkinson, Shelina Zadorsky

Four alternate players

Gabrielle Carle, Marie Eve Nault, Kailen Sheridan, Kaylyn Kyle