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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.