A YOUNG football fan had a right royal time when he travelled to Anfield to be a mascot for Reading.

Joel Bagan, of Fort Hill Drive, Winklebury, Basingstoke, travelled to Liverpool to lead his favourite team out before their Carling Cup tie in front of 45,000 fans at the world-famous stadium.

He then took his place in the stand and while the Royals were beaten 4-3, not even that could take the gloss off of the five-year-old's day.

He has now received his mementoes of a memorable visit, including a Reading shirt signed by the players.

"I really enjoyed it and Ivar Ingimarsson, who was the captain, was really kind to me," said Joel. "I got a bit nervous when we first got there, but once I got onto the pitch I was just excited.

"I really enjoyed the game as well, even though Reading lost."

However, Joel's favourite moment of the whole experience came before the match when he caught up with one of his idols, Liverpool captain and England midfielder Steven Gerrard.

"My favourite part was when I met Steven Gerrard in the players' lounge before the match," said the Castle Hill Infant School pupil. "I asked him what he thought the score would be and he said 2-1 to Liverpool. I told him I thought it would be 4-2 to Reading."