Usain Bolt has a first touch ‘like a trampoline’ and will never make it as a footballer, says Andy Keogh

The Olympic gold medalist is hoping to be offered a lucrative permanent contract after a trial with Central Coast Mariners

Usain Bolt is never going to realise his dream of making it as a professional footballer in part because he has a first touch “like a trampoline”, according to Perth Glory striker and former Republic of Ireland international Andy Keogh.

The sprint legend has been offered a professional contract by A-League club Central Coast Mariners after a two-month trial, but the deal – worth around £120,000, according to reports in Australia – falls well short of the £2.3 million Bolt and his representatives are said to be requesting.

Bolt’s presence in Australia has brought a lot of welcome attention to the start of the new A-League season, but Keogh sees little footballing merit in any permanent arrangement with the Jamaican.

“It’s nice to have the attention on the A-League but him playing in the A-League, that’s not for me,” Keogh told Irish radio show ‘Off the Ball’. “For me, he’s not going to be able to make it [as a footballer].

“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. From what I’ve seen, [his first touch] is like a trampoline, so I’m not too sure.”

Bolt has been offered a permanent contract by the Mariners' (Getty)

Mariners’ interest in signing Bolt appears to be primarily driven by their British entrepreneur owner Mike Charlesworth, and coach Mike Mulvey said he was unaware that a contract had been offered to the Olympic gold medallist after their A-League opener against Brisbane Roar on Sunday.

“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,” Keogh added.

“It’s fine from a marketing point of view but from a football perspective, it’s a little bit farcical.”

Keogh also accused Bolt of inconsistency by holding out for a lucrative contract offer after insisting that his dream was simply to make it as a professional footballer.

“He says he’s chasing a dream of becoming a professional footballer yet he’s come out with quotes about he wants X amount [of money] when, if you’re chasing the dream, it’s not about the money,” Keogh said. “He’s obviously contradicted himself massively there.”

Bolt rejected a two-year contract from Maltese club Valletta earlier this month, with his agent Ricky Simms telling ESPN: “There is a lot of interest in Usain playing football. We regularly receive similar approaches. I can confirm Usain does not wish to pursue this opportunity in Malta.”