Reds captain Angus MacDonald donated a signed shirt to Reds fan Riley Hall on Friday at Parkside Primary, Royston!

Riley, 7, plays football for local side Redfearns Juniors but suffered a stroke earlier this year just weeks after being signed up for our development squad.

After hearing about the youngster’s situation, Angus was set to visit Riley at home, but the youngster was rushed back into hospital the day he was due to meet him.

Riley is now recovering well and the skipper wanted to ensure he met the him and felt that this gesture was the perfect way to give back and get to meet him in the process.

Angus himself was once given a signed shirt by Aston Villa skipper John Terry when he was representing England at Under-16 level and as a special gesture ahead of the Reds’ match with the Villans on Saturday, MacDonald wanted to continue the legacy.

On presenting the signed shirt, Angus said: “For me to give something back to a kid who has not been very well and is an aspiring footballer as well is a real humbling feeling for myself.

“Riley is a little bit younger than myself from when I first became ill and I’m obviously a lot older than what he is now.

“But I can see where he has to go and what he has to overcome to get to where he needs to be, or indeed wants to be.

“I have an interest to get involved in the community but also to give something back to the community, whether that be youngsters or the fans.

“I want to do as much of that with as much spare time as I have available and it’s a good feeling to do so.”

MacDonald also told the youngster that he would be mascot for the Reds’ clash with the Villans and despite Angus not being in the side, Riley had the chance to walk out with winger Adam Hammill.

The youngster was left visibly speechless on receiving the news but MacDonald hoped that he thoroughly enjoyed his time walking out with the Reds squad, despite Saturday’s 3-0 defeat.

“The look on his face was a picture, he didn’t have much to say but I think he was both excited and nervous at the same time.

“I hope it was a great experience for him and it’s a credit to what he has had to overcome and I’m sure it was a great experience walking out with the boys, despite the result,” he added.