But now the self-proclaimed "f----n redneck" - and boyfriend of vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin's daughter - has become one of the most talked about teens in the US and is "sex on skates", according to one observer.

Fan websites dedicated to the 18-year-old father-to-be have sprung up on social networking pages such as Facebook, with members proclaiming "Levi Johnston would be the most awesome vice son-in-law ever!!!".

"This group is dedicated to Levi Johnston, the hot hockey player babydad to Bristol Palin's baby," one member writes. "Hang onto him girl, and never let go!''

Johnston appeared on stage with the Palin family at the Republican National Convention today following the highly-anticipated speech of John McCain's running mate.

He seemed to be chewing gum and was sporting a tattoo saying 'Bristol' on his finger.

Footage of John McCain warmly greeting the five-months pregnant Bristol and Johnston, as he stepped off his campaign plane in Minneapolis earlier, was aired widely on US television.

Meanwhile, political satirists have already set their sights on Johnston, who is widely described as a "hunk'' in media reports.

Comedian Andy Borowitz started a blog on the liberal news website Huffington Post called "Levi Johnston's Convention Diary".

"So, I get off the plane in Minnesota and the first thing I know some creepy old dude who smells like my grandma is gettin up in my grille," Borowitz wrote. "I am totally goin to give him a righteous beat-down and then I see it's that John McCain dude from TV."

Johnston first made headlines two days ago with his MySpace page, on which he described himself as a "redneck" who loves dirtbikes and snowboarding, but lives to play hockey.

He also wrote that "I don't want kids" and "Ya f--k with me, I'll kick ass."