Irish ex-footballer Gary Dempsey reached out to a young football fanatic with a brilliant gesture after his Dad shared a heartbreaking letter.
8-year-old Dunfermline lad Ollie Young wrote a tear-jerking note to his mum after being picked last in football at school.
His father Simon tweeted the letter to Wexford native Dempsey, who spent three years with Dunfermline Athletic during a 14-year professional career before and is now a motivational speaker.
The letter read: "@Dempz8 my 8 year old son is a mad football son and a mad Pars fan. He wrote this note to his mum last night saying he is rubbish a football and he hates himself.. this all comes from bullies at his school.
"You couldn't do him a message for him? His name is Ollie. Thanks."
Dempsey went one better and invited Young to a Dunfermline match in the director's box, while also arranging a coaching session and bringing his own son Jack along.
Young met with club legends at Dunfermline's home Scottish Championship clash with Inverness and was allowed to select the man of the match for the game. Manager Stevie Crawford told the youngster to 'keep smiling' in their post-match meet-up.
Young has also been invited by the Scottish FA to be the mascot when the Scottish national team face Israel next month.
In a Tweet, the Scotland National Team said: “Hey Ollie. We heard you’ve been having a bit of a tough time recently.
"We’d love to invite you to be a player escort for our big play-off game against Israel next month."
Everton legend Neville Southall was another one of those to offer Young support on Twitter - all prompted by Dempsey's show of support.
Proud Dad Simon thanked Dempsey, saying: Well said @Dempz8 you beat me to it.. one happy and very tired little boy.... now in bed.
"Thanks for everything. Hope you and Jack had a good time as well.... you will always be welcome in our home any time. You are star and a true gent."
