TROY DEENEY wants to have fun in today’s UK Open Pool Championship but reckons nobody wants to lose to an ex-footballer.

Using a wildcard entry, the former Premier League striker is one of 256 players involved in the six-day nineball event in Telford.

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The SunSport columnist, 35, is involved in at least two games but has a tough first-round draw in the shape of Marc Bijsterbosch.

The Dutchman, 30, is ranked 31st in the world, became European champion in 2017 and was runner-up in last year’s Spanish Open.

And Bijsterbosch will not want to be beaten by a rookie star, especially a celebrity amateur, over the best of 17 racks this afternoon.

Deeney, who makes his debut appearance at 1pm, loved playing cue-ball action during his Watford playing days.

Even when Hornets teammate Ben Foster threw grapes at him during key shots.

But this Shropshire event is step-up in class and will test how much preparation he has managed to do in the build-up.

The Birmingham-born star said: “I want to have a bit of fun, try to win a game or two, showcase how great this sport is.

“I think there’s more pressure on the other guys – they don’t want to be the one who loses to the footballer!

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“That’s my mental edge. Get them to understand the pressure is on you not me.

“Some people may moan about this but then they always moan about something.

“We cannot please everyone. We are putting the hard yards in and training with ex-pros.

“I’m not coming here as a gimmick, turn up on the day and start trying to chip the ball. It won’t be like that.

“It’s me trying to learn something new. We can shed a light on these fantastic pool players. I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity.”

Former world snooker champion Stuart Bingham and two-time Scottish Open winner Gary Wilson are also playing in this major tournament that involves Mosconi Cup heroes.

The snooker duo, who took part in the Crucible World Snooker Championship, open their campaigns as seeds on Wednesday.