Neilston youngster lines up with Manchester City in dream tie with Real Madrid

But that was the surreal situation nine-year-old Ben Whiteford found himself in last week as he accompanied City’s midfield maestro David Silva on to the pitch for the crunch encounter at the Etihad Stadium.

The Neilston Primary pupil could hardly believe his luck when dad Andy told him he had been selected as one of the mascots for the first-leg tie between two of the world’s biggest clubs.

After entering the UEFA Priceless Mascot Experience competition just the week previously, former Neilston Juniors manager Andy received a phone call five days before the match confirming his son was one of the 22 children chosen to walk out alongside a host of international players, including Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and Gareth Bale.

As a Madrid fan, Ben’s highlight of the evening arrived when he managed to meet three-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo who was forced to sit out the 0-0 draw with a hamstring injury.

Andy said: “The whole experience of being around the players was fantastic for him. Ben mentioned Sergio Ramos was very vocal with the boys and he managed to high five Ronaldo as well.

“That’s the big name in world football just now. It was a shame he wasn’t playing, but there were a host of stars on show and just being in amongst that was a great experience – he totally loved it.”

Ben, who plays on the right wing for Neilston Wasps 2006s, was able to make the midweek trip to Manchester after being granted special permission to miss a couple of days of school.

Andy added: “I sent a letter saying it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and that you couldn’t deny a kid that. We didn’t have long to think about it, but the people who were organising it really looked after the kids and the parents.”

Joe Hart kept City’s hopes of reaching their first Champions League final alive with two brilliant late saves that ensured their semi-final first leg with Real Madrid finished goalless.