SOUTHAMPTON could be in line to get in on Olympic action - if London wins the battle to stage the 2012 games.

Bid organisers have confirmed that the city's sporting facilities, including Saints' St Mary's Stadium, above, could be used as training grounds by international teams before the games.

Venues to host the qualifying rounds for the Olympic football events have already been allocated by organisers, with the final due to be held in the new Wembley Stadium if the bid is successful.

Saints had hoped they could stage the early rounds of the Olympic football competition but were turned down by London 2012.

However St Mary's, Saints training ground at Marchwood, as well as sailing facilities in Southampton, the New Forest and the Isle of Wight could still be made available for teams in the build-up to the London games.

London 2012 spokesman John Armstrong said: "It is about a whole area looking at what it has got and putting together different packages that fit different needs."

City councillors have backed a plan to offer support to London's Olympic bid.

City council leader Councillor Adrian Vinson said that the city would be holding talks with sports venues including Southampton Football Club to see if it could help provide training facilities for Olympic stars.

He said: "We will support the Olympic programme in any way we can and hopefully there will be opportunities for the city."

Denise Barlow, head of business development at Southampton Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the news that the city could still benefit by providing training facilities for athletes.

She said: "Sport is the lifeblood of a prosperous and dynamic city. If Southampton was successful in becoming a training venue for Olympians it would be a boost to the city bringing in added wealth, prestige and revenue to local businesses, as well as helping to raise the profile of the city on a national and international scale."

Saints managing director Andrew Cowen said: "We had preliminary discussions and put ourselves forward for consideration for the selection list and we believe this has now been finalised.

"Along with every other Premiership club, we are fully behind the bid and wish London every success."