Six youngsters from Oxford United’s Centre of Excellence will be flying the flag on a dream trip to Wembley.

The lads, from United’s Under 10 team, have been chosen to carry FIFA’s ‘fair play’ flag on to the field before England’s World Cup qualifier against Belarus.

And for one of the youngsters – Ryan O’Rourke from Banbury – it will be the birthday of a lifetime.

The young winger is relishing the prospect. Not only does it mean a day off from school at Hillfield Primary, but he will treading the famous Wembley turf.

“I'm very excited,” he said. “All my friends are telling me how lucky I am. They're very jealous.”

The only slight disappointment for Ryan is that his favourite player, Wayne Rooney, is out through injury.

But for Ryan and his five teammates, it will be a night to remember.

“The FA approached us to provide some lads to perform this ceremony,” explained Owen McGovern, United’s youth in the community co-ordinator.

“We decided it should be our under 10s, and to choose who the lucky six were, we drew lots before United’s game against Crawley.”

The lucky players out of the hat were O’Rourke and Lewis De’Ath from Banbury, Harry Horton from Hors-path, Ben Barrett from Radley, Aaron Heap from Kidlington and Brackley’s Mason Muckelberg, son of former United player Terry Muckelberg.

“They’re a very good group of lads,” added McGovern.

“Our under tens are one of the strongest sides in our region. I hope they have a good night.”