A WIRRAL hockey star could go all the way tonight and collect a gold medal at the Olympic Games in Rio.

Sam Quek, 27, is central defender with Team GB’s women’s hockey squad, who will be facing the Netherlands in tonight’s final.

The former Birkenhead High School pupil is guaranteed at least a silver medal and regardless of the outcome of tonight’s match, Britain's women have already confirmed their best performance in Olympic hockey history.

Wirral Globe:

The Wirral-born star will be playing in her usual number 13 PICTURE: Koen Suyk

Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh's outfit have now matched the likes of Sean Kerly, Ian Taylor and Paul Barber, who reached the men's Olympic final at Seoul in 1988.

Having been introduced to the sport at school, it was Sam’s PE teacher who originally persuaded her to join a local hockey club Mini Panthers in Wirral - and her passion for competing grew from there.

Wirral Globe:

Whatever happens tonight, the team's performance so far has been confirmed as the best in Olympic hockey history. PICTURE: Great Britain Hockey

Sam plays number 13 and so far has given the lie to the superstition that it is an unlucky number – she is being hailed as a new Olympic star and the crowning glory would be if she and her team mates could take gold tonight.

Sam is already a European gold medallist and has recently admitted that despite being a huge Beyonce fan, she just can’t listen to her music before a game as she would get too excited.

Team GB made it through to the final after beating a strong New Zealand side 3-0 - however it won’t be an easy ride tonight as the Dutch will be aiming to gain a hat-trick of Olympic titles.

Wirral Globe:

The team will be facing The Netherlands who will be looking for a hat-trick win. PICTURE: Frank Uijlenbroek

The final is on BBC 1 at 9pm.