Australian football personality Clint Bolton believes there is no chance of Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt signing a professional A-League deal with the Central Coast Mariners.
The Gosford-based club revealed on Tuesday that the eight-time Olympic gold medallist was set to come Down Under for a six-week trial in a bid to win a contract for the upcoming season.
But Bolton, who most recently appeared on Goal and SBS during the World Cup, says he is worried the move is solely a public relations exercise for the Mariners and the A-League.
"I don't think anyone genuinely thinks [Usain Bolt] is going to get signed," Bolton told Goal.
"Regardless of his footballing ability on the training ground, what level has he played at? He hasn't played at any level.
"It feels like a massive PR move from Central Coast. I hope they have genuine interest in signing him and not just leading him on.
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"If the Mariners are capitalising on opportunity with absolutely no chance of signing him then that's wrong."
It's understood Football Federation Australia would need to support the deal and put in approximately AU$900,000 to contribute to Bolt's Mariners contract - if he impresses during his trial.
Videos have surfaced of Bolt's football performances in recent months, including a rather unimpressive performance for Norwegian side Strømsgodset against Norway's under-19's.
While Bolton thinks Bolt may have the ability to attract interest to the league because of his status as a world famous athlete, it remains to be seen whether he is good enough on the pitch.
"When I think about marquee and who fits the bill - he fits one half of the bill - that's for sure," he said.
"His impact on audiences beyond football with his social media presence will be strong. But the big question is, can he play?
"I don't think it's good publicity for the league. It's a bit of a joke.
"I don't know what people outside football think - they're going to think a bit differently - maybe they feel like it's a coup and it will actually get fans into the stands.
"But football people would consider it just a bit laughable, a bit of a joke."