This is the heartbreaking poem penned by Rhys Jones’ dad for his funeral - which has been recreated for scenes in ITV’s Little Boy Blue.
The second installment of the drama, which tells the true story of the schoolboy’s senseless murder, recreated the 11-year-old’s funeral service at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral.
Filmed on location, the episode will show viewers how thousands of Scousers turned out to pay their respects to Rhys and to show their support to the Jones family.
One of the most poignant moments of the service was when Rhys' uncle read out a poem written by Steve, inspired by Rhys’ love of football.
The reading was so emotive, actor Stephen Graham - who portrays the Dave Kelly, the senior officer investigating the case - originally believed it had been written especially by writer Jeff Pope for the drama.
He revealed: “We filmed Rhys’ funeral at Liverpool Cathedral, where it actually took place. It was a big day. A very heavy day. The coffin was a replica of the actual coffin.
“I’m a firm believer in truth. As actors, we have to put ourselves in that situation to the best of our ability.
“I use my children in those circumstances. Hopefully it’s something that would never happen, but you have to be able to put your mind in that position and you have to go to those places in yourself to try and pull out the trust in the scene.
“For me, it was the poem that was read out at the funeral that got me.
“I said to Jeff: ‘That poem you’ve written was amazing. I just couldn’t stop crying’ and Jeff said ‘I’d love to take the credit for that, but I can’t. They were Steve’s actual words.’ Which then made it hit home even more.”
Brian F. O’Byrne, who portrays Steve in the drama, also praised Rhys’ father for the poem.
He added: “He wrote [the poem] himself. He feels strong enough to let that out there. There’s a certain poetic side to the man and he got his release through writing that in some way.
“What I love about that is he doesn’t judge himself in any way for doing that.
“I found Liverpool men, those I’ve met and have talked to, are very open. I didn’t anticipate it, but there’s an openness to talking about their feelings.”
This is the full poem as heard in tonight's episode of Little Boy Blue:
Now God wanted a football match
And to play it up in heaven
But first he needed players
And selected his first eleven.
Georgie Best, big Brian Labone
The legend Dixie Dean
Alan Ball and Bobby Moore
All made it in the team.
He needed one more player
Someone who would be quick
From up above he looked down
And saw Rhys there in his kit.
So Rhys was taken up above
God took him by the hand
To play the game he loved so much
Where sponsorship is banned.
There is no cheating either as
God is the referee
There are no mega wages
And the transfers they are free.
The games are live on telly
You don't have to subscribe
The players all stay on their feet
Cos no one takes a dive.
So Rhys plays now so happily
To the angels in the crowd
And every time he hits the net
They roar his name so loud.
Have fun my little blue boy
You're safe and in God's care
Till it's time for me to get my boots
And join with you up there
