A YOUNG football fan will be stepping out with Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard tonight when he becomes a mascot for Liverpool Football Club.

Paul Hughes, aged seven, of Stratton Road, is travelling to Anfield to take on the role as the UEFA Cup quarter-final is played out between Liverpool and Celtic.

The Sycamore Lane Primary School pupil plays at the Liverpool FC Academy during school holidays and is also a member of Sankey-based Matthiola Junior Football Club.

Proud mum Caroline said: "We just got a letter out of the blue asking us to get in contact, and Carlsberg had his name and address and asked if he would like to do it, and with it being such a big game he said yes straight away."

Paul will arrive at Anfield to be given a tour around the ground, before having dinner in the Carlsberg suite. He will then get into his kit and meet the team before leading them onto the pitch with captain Sami Hyypia.

The football-mad youngster has a bedroom with football light and the ceiling painted green with pitch markings on.

Mrs Hughes added: "He wants to be a footballer, but says he doesn't care what team he signs for because Liverpool will see him anyway!"