Jamaican FA boss open to Usain Bolt call-up: Potential teammates are 'excited'
The president of Jamaica's football association has suggested Usain Bolt could earn a call-up to the national team.
Bolt is currently looking to sign a professional contract after a trial spell at Australian side Central Coast Mariners.
He's already rejected the chance to join Maltese capital club Valletta and has been offered a deal by the Mariners.
Related: Usain Bolt left out of Mariners training while contract offer is considered
Jamaican FC president Michael Ricketts has admitted, though, that he's disappointed Bolt doesn't seem to plan on signing for a club in his home country, suggesting that playing domestically would improve the former Olympic champion sprinter's chances of playing for his country.
"I am a little disappointed that Usain hasn't signed up with a Jamaican club," Ricketts told ESPN's Sean Nevin. "That would give us a chance to see a lot more of him.
"If he shows he's good enough to make the Jamaican team then he will be called up, but we are following his progress - we are watching him closely. The coach will make a decision but we would love to see him in a serious, real match situation.
"We are hopeful because Usain would certainly be a crowd puller. If he turns up in a Jamaican outfit then a lot of people would want to turn up and watch Usain Bolt play football."
Ricketts also said that despite the 32-year-old's lack of pro football experience, Bolt could be a successful player with Jamaica.
"Usain has a special attribute in his speed," he said. "If he can add a little bit of skill, some flair, he could supplement this Jamaican team. The players would certainly welcome someone like Usain. I have had informal discussions with some of them and they are excited at the prospect of playing with Usain.
"If he can make the transition from being a superstar on the track to being a good enough football player, then we will certainly call him up. We are presently in a competition, the Nations League. After the Nations League, we go into the Gold Cup. By then we will have had a chance to look at him and we'll be in a position to make a decision."
Bolt sparked greater interest in his signature earlier this month by scoring twice on his first start for the Mariners during his trial spell.