Usain Bolt: Olympic champion has 'touch like a trampoline', says Andy Keogh
Last updated on .From the section Football
Usain Bolt's first touch is "like a trampoline" and he will never make it as a footballer, says former Republic of Ireland striker Andy Keogh.
Eight-time Olympic champion Bolt, 32, has been on trial with Australian side Central Coast Mariners since August.
The Australian FA said it is working with the A-League club to help fund a deal for the Jamaican, who retired from athletics last year.
"He's not going to be able to make it," said Perth Glory forward Keogh.
"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, who won 30 caps for the Republic, added a potential professional contract for Bolt was "fine from a marketing point of view" but was "farcical" from a football perspective.
"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 said.
The Mariners have said it is "unlikely" Bolt would sign a deal without a financial contribution from a "third party".
A Football Federation Australia (FFA) spokesperson told BBC Sport on Wednesday it had now stepped in to try to help.
Mariners boss Mike Mulvey said there was "no update" at a press conference on Friday.
"He's not at training and I'm just concentrating on the lads I have here," he said.
When asked if Bolt had the ability to play professional football, Mulvey replied: "I'll say this one more time - my focus is on the game on Saturday and on the players contracted for the Central Coast Mariners and that is how it should be."
Bolt turned down a two-year deal with Maltese champions Valletta FC this month.
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I think that's his point. He is supporting other players. Ones who've worked their way up through the leagues and dedicated their time and effort to it. Whereas it could be viewed that Bolt has been given a free pass to the brink of professionalism on account of a name he made in a different career. Seems unfair on the rest.
Nothing but a publicity stunt and it is clear from comments made over the last couple of weeks that the Manager does not want him!
I think that say's it all........If he really wanted to play professional football he would have taken that contract.
But it's not it's about him wanting money and attention. Malta isn't high profile enough for him.... he needs to go away and stop being an attention seeker.
What does grate is the fact that, at 32 with no history of pro football, he is asking for a disproportionately high salary. That is disrespectful to players who have dedicated a whole career for a lot less reward.
How many million men in the UK now, would trade their experience of sporting life for that career???
I like Bolt. This isn't a dig, but being a good amateur isn't being a pro. It's things like positional sense, precise timing of runs etc. that separate good amateurs from pros.
If Bolt takes a shirt, a talented youngster won't be getting their opportunity.
Let's face it, with the publicity he generates, if he was anywhere near good enough, or just shy of good enough to be honest, he'd be playing by now. I do hope he makes it but it's clear as day that right now he doesn't make the cut at all.
He has looked out of his depth in charity games, the delusion to think he can make it at any level of professional football is laughable.
Incredible athlete, dreadful footballer.