Robbie Savage has sent an emotional message after his son Charlie was named on the bench for Manchester United ahead of their Champions League clash against BSC Young Boys on Wednesday night.
United have already secured top spot in Group F heading into their final group stage match and as such Ralf Rangnick has changed his entire side from the one which defeated Crystal Palace at the weekend.
A number of senior stars have been given the night off entirely with a host of academy hopefuls promoted to the senior side in order to make up the numbers.
Wales youth international Savage is one of them and he could make his debut for the club if interim manager Rangnick chooses to utilise him in midweek.
Such an achievement is an incredibly proud moment for any parent but it has particular significance for Robbie given his own professional career also started at United.
"I’m starting to tear up actually, because what the boy has achieved. Charlie Savage has achieved so much in his young life," Savage senior told BT Sport ahead of the match.
"He’s never been top of his group, he's always had to meet targets, every two years when he was on the borderline, was he going to get kept on? But his application, his work ethic, his desire, he's humble - that has got him to where he's got. At times I think it has been harder for him.
"When I'm stood on the sidelines people automatically think Charlie is going to be like his dad. He's not like me, he's his own player. I am absolutely delighted.
"My father, who’s sadly not with us, would be so proud looking down on his grandson, as proud as I am. It's amazing what the boy has achieved.
"Even if he doesn’t get on the pitch, I've told him that 'whatever happens for the rest of his life you've been on the bench for Manchester United.' Something I couldn't do, I wasn't good enough.
"He’s done it, it's him not me, I've opened no doors for him. All the coaches have played a huge part in his young adult life. I'm just absolutely thrilled for him.
"If he gets on to grace the Theatre of Dreams, something I didn't do, i only did it as an away player. His nana is watching at home who will be in tears now and all the stuff we do as parents.
"He’s a great kid and he’ll do everything. He’s a great player and has a wonderful left foot. He can run and I think he’s the second fittest at the club. Take it all in because he’s one very lucky boy but a boy who’s worked incredibly hard."
