Usain Bolt comes off bench to make debut for Central Coast Mariners - in pictures

Jamaican Olympic superstar made a 20-minute appearance in a pre-season friendly for the A-League side

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  Usain Bolt after coming on as a substitute for L-League side Central Coast Mariners in a pre-season friendly on Friday. AFP

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  Usain Bolt greets during a pre-season friendly for Central Coast Mariners. AFP

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  Usain Bolt lies on the pitch after taking a shot at goal during a pre-season friendly for Central Coast Mariners. AP Photo

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  Usain Bolt walks on the sidelines before making an appearance for Central Coast Mariners during a pre-season friendly. AFP

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  Usain Bolt on the ball during a pre-season friendly for Central Coast Mariners. AFP

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  Usain Bolt sits on the bench ahead of his appearance for Central Coast Mariners during a pre-season friendly. AFP

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  Usain Bolt greets during a pre-season friendly for Central Coast Mariners. Getty Images

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  Usain Bolt in action during a pre-season friendly for Central Coast Mariners. Reuters

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  Usain Bolt heads the ball during a pre-season friendly for Central Coast Mariners. AFP

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  Usain Bolt waves to crowd during a pre-season friendly for Central Coast Mariners. AFP

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  Usain Bolt warms up before making his first appearance for Central Coast Mariners. AFP

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  Usain Bolt receives instructions before making his first appearance for Central Coast Mariners. AFP

Usain Bolt made his highly-anticipated football debut for the Central Coast Mariners on Friday, participating for about 20 minutes against an amateur local team in front of a crowd of around 10,000 people.

The eight-time Olympic gold medalist is trying to become a professional footballer and has been given a trial with the A-League club based in Gosford, north of Sydney.

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Read more:

Usain Bolt makes debut for Central Coast Mariners in pre-season friendly

WATCH: Usain Bolt takes part in first Central Coast Mariners training session

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The crowd for Friday's exhibition game was about four times bigger than the average home attendance the Mariners attracted last season.

Bolt started on the left wing and had a clumsy first touch, but settled in and found himself in scoring positions a couple of times before having a stoppage-time shot blocked.

Check out the best pictures from Bolt's football debut in the gallery above. To move on to the next image, click on the arrows, or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.