Andy Murray admits he feels honoured to have been named as Team GB’s flagbearer for the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony on Friday.

The reigning Olympic men’s singles champion was nominated for the role by the British Olympic Association on Wednesday, and he becomes the second successive Scotsman to carry the British flag, following in the footsteps of track cycling star Sir Chris Hoy.

The world number two, who could begin the defence of his Olympic crown less than 24 hours after the Opening Ceremony takes place at the Maracana Stadium, admits that it is a great honour to have been named flagbearer.

He said: “I am very proud to be selected as the Team GB Flagbearer for the Opening Ceremony on Friday.

To represent your country at the Games is an unbelievable experience, but to lead out Team GB will be an incredible honour, the biggest in sport.”

The 29-year-old has described the honour as one of the highlights of his career, but he insists that he remains fully focused on defending his Olympic title in Rio de Janeiro.

He continued: “This is my third Olympic Games and it is a very special competition for me. I obviously have great memories of London and I am 100% focused on winning here in Rio. “The privilege of being the Flagbearer is a moment I will remember for the rest of my life and will certainly be one of the highlights of my career.”

Murray has already enjoyed a successful 2016, claiming his second Wimbledon title last month, and he is available at 4.33 to emerge victorious once again, at the US Open in September.