Lancashire's Barry Cowan has been accepted into the singles event at the Sydney Olympics as a late replacement.

The 26-year-old will partner Scot, Kyle Spencer, in the doubles at the New South Wales Tennis Centre.

Cowan's call-up comes after the withdrawal of Ecuador's Nicolas Lapentti, who helped his country beat Britain in this summer's Davis Cup tie at Wimbledon. Lapentti is one of five top players to pull out of the singles event.

The draw for the Olympic tennis event will be held at the Sydney Opera House tomorrow with the tournament running from September 19 to 28.

Team manager Roger Taylor said: "This is really good news for Barry and he will relish the chance to play singles at the Olympics."