A LUCKY young Morton supporter will lead out his heroes at Hampden this weekend after being selected as a mascot for the club’s big League Cup semi final.

Inverkip Primary pupil Jamie McLaughlin will stride out with the Ton team at the national stadium on Saturday in front of thousands of supporters and a live TV audience.

The five-year-old football fanatic was chosen by Greenock Morton Community Trust (GMCT) after impressing at their micro and mini coaching sessions.

His efforts have been rewarded with a money can’t buy place on the hallowed Hampden turf alongside his idols for the match against Aberdeen.

Jamie, whose favourite player is Thomas O’Ware, said: “It’s exciting.
“I’m not nervous.

“I’ve never been to Hampden before.”

Morton fan Jamie was chosen by GMCT coach Paddy McAlees, who has coached him for the last three years in Inverkip and Wemyss Bay.

His brother Ewan, nine — who plays with the Morton academy 2006s team — Ton daft dad Charlie and mum Jillian are also heading to the national stadium to cheer him on.

Jillian said: “We’re so proud and I’m looking forward to seeing him.

“Paddy says he’s always well behaved at football and because he came up through the micro and mini Morton teams he was happy that he could select him.

“Ewan is also in the community trust and we all go to Cappielow to watch the team.

“It was so nice of Paddy to select Jamie out of so many other children.

“It will be a fabulous experience and something for him to look back on, and hopefully Morton win.”

Brian McLaughlin, head of community coaching at GMCT, said: “I’m sure Jamie and his family will have a great day out and it will be a special occasion for them all.

“Thanks to the SPFL Trust for allowing us to select the mascot.

“Hopefully we get to pick another one for the final!”