British Swimming chief Chris Spice is confident his team can deliver a wave of medals in Rio and reach its minimum target of three in the pool.

Eight Scots have been included in a squad that is bidding to bounce back from a disappointing 2012 Games in London when Michael Jamieson’s silver was their best return.

With Ross Murdoch targeting the podium in the 100m breaststroke next weekend along side favourite Adam Peaty - and a number of possible relay medallists - the UK line-up will attempt to build on a successful European and world championships over the last 12 months.

And the sport’s performance director is expecting his charges to deliver when it counts.

“We have to be aiming for 60 to 65 per cent of our athletes achieving season best times in their final races and if we do that then the medals will come to us,” said Spice, whose squad have spent the past week at a training camp in nearby Belo Horizonte.

“I think we’ve got some really good chances across the team and from our relays, and it’s great to see athletes vying for selection within these. We want that sort of depth and competition within the team. It’s good for the whole dynamic.

“I think our athletes are as fit as we’ve ever seen them. They’re sharp and focused while the environment around them is pretty relaxed. We’re not quite ready yet but that’s where we want them.”