Mascots dreams come true after walking out with players ahead of Oxford United's pre-season clash with Leicester City

Eight-year-old Harry Lloyd, 12-year-old Joe Wright, and seven-year-old William Rogers, met their sporting heroes and were treated to a question and answer session with former Foxes, Tottenham and England striker Gary Lineker on Tuesday night.

The U's were defeated 2-1 by Claudio Ranieri's table-topping side but held their own in front of a 9,500-strong crowd.

Joe's father Nick Wright – 54 from East Hagbourne near Didcot – said he, wife Sarah and daughter Maddie arranged for the youngster to be a mascot to celebrate his birthday, which fell on the day of the fixture.

And still on high since Tuesday's clash, Joe went into King Alfred's in Wantage where he goes to school yesterday wearing his new-look United kit.

The father-of-two added: "It was his dream to meet all of the players and the manager.

"He went down to the changing rooms and got so many selfies with the players.

"The club did an amazing job, they made them feel like kings for a day.

"Sometimes players get a bad reputation for being arrogant and aloof but they were so friendly and signed everything put in front of them, it was great."

During the Q&A with Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, Mr Wright said his son asked the 55-year-old why he decided to "be the Walkers crisps guy" to which he replied because he liked the salt and vinegar flavour.

Damian Lloyd, 38, said his son Harry really enjoyed the day.

The Didcot resident added: "We got to watch Oxford and Harry is getting more and more into it, he's a big fan.

"It was good game for us to watch and he enjoyed getting to meet all the players."

Scott Roger said his son William was "cock-a-hoop" at being able to meet the players.

The 38-year-old from Buckingham regularly attends the Kassam Stadium with William.

He added: "The club did what it does best. It's a great family club and it made my seven-year-old feel very special."