Northern Ireland footballer Daniel Ballard has been praised for his thoughtful act in supporting a young East Belfast boy who was mascot for Sunday's game against Finland.
Ballard joined Charlie Kerrigan in wearing ear defenders as the teams walked out onto the pitch in front of 18,000 fans.
Little Charlie (8), who has autism, is a massive Northern Ireland fan and recently found out he would be one of the lucky mascots for the Euro 2024 clash.
Read more: NI teen Shea Charles offers feedback on first Euro qualifying camp
Unfortunately Michael O'Neill's side lost 1-0, but it didn't dampen the joy Charlie and his family got from the whole experience.
"Charlie had a brilliant night, and that's what matters. I quickly forgot about the result after seeing how happy it made him," said Charlie's dad, Stuart.
"He is a big Northern Ireland fan. We actually took him to the Euros in 2016 when he was just 18 months old.
"Charlie is a campaign card holder, so they send emails out before home matches about young people becoming mascots. We applied for the last home game but weren't successful.
"We tried again for Sunday's game and found out last week Charlie had won a place. He had to go to Windsor on Friday night for a rehearsal, and he got to see the changing rooms, dugout and media theatre.
"The highlight was obviously Sunday. He and his mummy Danielle went to Windsor at about 6.15pm to meet the other mascots.
"She got him changed in the Finland kit and then she went to her seat. He was so nervous beforehand and at one stage he didn't fancy doing it.
"But thankfully he did as it is something that will live long in the memory."
Irish FA head of international administration, David Currie, approached Ballard about wearing the ear defenders in support of young Charlie.
And the 23-year-old defender was only too happy to help.
"David said he asked Daniel beforehand and he said it was no problem whatsoever," Stuart added.
"You see it at some games in England and other leagues, but to see it here was brilliant. For Daniel to show his support like that is much appreciated.
"He held Charlie's hand and wore the ear defenders, and when I met Danielle and Charlie after the match Charlie said it was the best night of his life.
"So the score was irrelevant in the end. He got to stand up close to the other players as well so he was made up.
"Charlie has been all go today. Every time you check social media you see photos of Charlie and Daniel.
"It is brilliant for Charlie, and we just can't thank Daniel enough for the gesture."
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