Former Premier League star switches sport as he accepts wildcard entry into ranking event in a very different discipline

Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney is entering the UK Open Pool Championship as a wildcard entry.

The World Nineball Tour Ranking event takes place at the Telford International Centre from May 7 to May 12.

And Deeney, who spent the majority of his career at Watford and scored 47 goals in 165 appearances in the top flight, will be trying his hand at a new discipline.

An official press release read: 'the World Nineball Tour is delighted to announce that renowned footballer Troy Deeney will be gracing the tables as a wildcard player for the UK Open Pool Championship 

'Deeney, whose passion for sports transcends the football pitch, is set to bring his competitive spirit to the realm of pool in the first Matchroom Major event of the year.

'As a wildcard entrant, the Ex-Watford FC superstar joins an elite field of players, each competing for the prestigious title and the opportunity to showcase their skills on the British stage.'

Deeney was most recently player-manager of League Two club Forest Green Rovers but was sacked in January after just six games in charge.

Speaking following the announcement, Deeney said: 'just a really interesting call coming through from Matchroom. 

'Would I be interested in doing it and trying to pit myself against the best around and more importantly shed some light and add some notoriety to the sport. Matchroom have been great in terms of growing every other sport they've been a part of.

'I've played pool, in loads of pool halls round the country with my pals as a social thing and I just thought why not, try something different. I've always been an admirer of athletes in different sports, the dedication and amount of hours it takes to get great at it.

'It's easy to sit at home and say I could've done that, but actually getting up and trying to do it is completely different. Always grateful for new opportunities and learning.

'There's probably more pressure on whoever plays me because they don't want to go out to this numpty with a big mouth! For me it's a bit of fun, obviously the serious competitive nature will come out anyway, but if I lose to somebody in the UK Open is it a negative for me? No. 

'If they lose to me then they'll have to question themselves moving forward. But for me it's about having fun, showcasing UK Nineball Pool to a wider audience.

'I'm hoping that with the training that we've got we can continue to progress and not make a fool of ourselves, that's the aim. [Been having lessons?] A little bit, I can't say a lot about it because there's going to be some stuff around it, but we've got some ex-pros helping us out. 

'Everyone compares everything to football, but if you look at darts players who aren't quite household names, if I can help someone get the notoriety that they deserves is fantastic for that generation. You've always got to respect the past to move forwards.'