Former Republic of Ireland striker Andy Keogh has slammed Usain Bolt's football ability, saying he has "a touch like a trampoline.
Eight-time Olympic Gold medalist Bolt has been lobbying for a professional contract with Central Coast Mariners but former Wolves man Keogh, now plying his trade with A-League outfit Perth Glory, doesn't think he should pursue the career change - and questioned anyone who thinks he deserves a deal.
He was blunt in his criticism of Bolt's first touch and continued to not pull any punches.
"He's not going to be able to make it," Keogh told Fox Sports Australia.
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"It's nice to have the attention on the A-League but him playing here, that's not for me," the former Wolves and Millwall player told Off the Ball.
"He's shown a bit of potential but it's a little bit of a kick in the teeth to the professionals that are in the league."
Keogh did say that he was "fine with it from a marketing point of view", but called it "farcical" football-wise and definitely isn't in favour of the move.
"If there's someone who genuinely thinks he'd be a good football addition, I don't think they should be in a position to make those calls," he added.
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Bolt has been on trial with Mariners since August and scored his first goals a couple of weeks back.
He has been offered a contract but it's been reported that the two parties are far apart in terms of wages.
The club have recently revealed he won't train with the club until the situation is sorted out, they likely won't be able to sign him without a third-party stepping in to help cover costs.
"The Central Coast Mariners and Usain Bolt's representative Ricky Simms have progressed contract discussions and would like to offer clarity around the negotiations between the club and Usain Bolt," the Mariners said in a statement.
"The club can confirm that a contract proposal has been offered by the Central Coast Mariners and negotiations remain ongoing with Usain Bolt and his management regarding his football future.
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"Both parties are eager to explore all options and ensure that if there is a suitable way forward for both player and club, the two parties will keep working together and formalise an agreement.
"The Central Coast Mariners want to ensure that Usain Bolt is given every chance possible to fulfil his dream to become a professional football player."
Bolt has previously trained with German giants Borussia Dortmund, Sundowns in South Africa and Norway's Stromsgodset, while he rejected a two-year deal from Maltese champions Valletta FC.
Topics: Football News, Football, Usain Bolt
