FOOTBALL fans will be in their element when they watch a bunch of fishy-looking characters tackle some sharp shooting at the West Midlands Safari Park, Bewdley.

Marine United, which includes the highly-talented Teddy Herringham, will score a big hit with visitors when they show-off their impressive ball control skills.

Park keeper and football fan Peter Montague set up the sea lion squad when he noticed the creatures paying the penalty of being shut in during the first weeks of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

"I've always dreamed of being a soccer boss like Alex Ferguson but I never thought I would be coaching a bunch of sea lions," said the 40-year-old keeper.

"A few weeks ago I became worried about the animals as they were just lazing around and doing nothing, I think they were getting really depressed.

"But football has perked them up and they have so much energy they can't wait to start tossing the ball around. It's just a shame we can't play against another team."

He said the team's soccer skills would put many professionals to shame, although he admitted there was no substitute for speed.

The sea lions' favourite trick, he said, was to flip the ball into the air and shoot it into the back of the net with their noses.

"It's amazing to watch them and their ball control is second to none," he added.

"I like to tell spectators that their skills are down to my expert training, but they're not very quick, and don't understand the concept of tactics."