Nervous Bolt prepares for debut with Central Coast
SYDNEY: Usain Bolt is set to get a first taste of competitive football on Friday in a much-hyped game, but the sprint superstar admits he is nervous with his fitness levels not up to scratch.
The Jamaican is likely to be handed a 10 or 15 minute run-out for Australia’s Central Coast Mariners in a friendly against an amateur side as he works towards his dream of earning a playing contract and becoming a professional footballer.
Such is the buzz swirling around the match that it will be broadcast live on pay TV and 10,000 fans are expected to cram into the Central Coast Stadium.
The club, which finished bottom of the domestic A-league last season, is planning fireworks and other entertainment to keep fans amused until Bolt makes his entrance. “I think that will be a bit weird, but not too weird,” Bolt, who favours playing left wing, joked of the masks.
“I’ve seen a little bit of that in track and field. But it will be something new to play the first game and see that.”
BALE CAN FILL RON’S BOOTS, SAYS GIGGS
LONDON: Gareth Bale can cope with the pressure of replacing Cristiano Ronaldo as the star man at Real Madrid, says his Wales boss Ryan Giggs.
Bale has become the main forward at Real since Ronaldo’s departure, scoring in their opening La Liga wins against Getafe and Girona. “When someone like Cristiano leaves there is always going to be a spotlight on who is going to replace him goal-wise and threat-wise,” said Giggs.
FOREST KNOCK OUT NEWCASTLE
MANCHESTER: Newcastle United were knocked out of the League Cup by second-tier Nottingham Forest on Wednesday with a 3-1 defeat at the City Ground. Everton and Watford both progressed against Championship opponents, the Toffees beating Rotherham 3-1 and the Hornets winning 2-0 at Reading.
“It was great to win against a Premier League team of their quality and experience,” said Forest coach Aitor Karanka.
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