Young Sheffield Wednesday superfan's dream of getting favourite player's shirt

Jack Payne pictured with his favourite player Jack Hunt. Picture: Laura Webb.

A four-year-old Sheffield Wednesday superfan, who has already had two bouts of open heart surgery, will have his wish granted this weekend when he receives the shirt of his favourite player.

Little Jack Payne was born with a rare chromosome disorder and has been in and out of hospital for most of his life.

The youngster, who started following Wednesday with his granddad, is a season ticket holder at Hillsborough and first met defender Jack Hunt when the club invited him to be mascot at the pre-season friendly with Rangers last year.

Mum Laura Webb said: "Jack has always watched Wednesday and he was invited to be mascot and chose to go on the pitch with Jack Hunt and since then he has been his biggest fan.

"To be honest I think it started off with the name - with them both being called Jack - but when he went Jack Hunt was so friendly. He carried him on the pitch because Jack was too tired to walk, he chatted to him throughout the day and since that day it's as if they have become good friends.

"Jack goes to every game and we only sit two rows back on the South stand so he shouts to him all the time."

Jack, of Mexborough, will be presented with the shirt at the Owls' last game of the season against Fulham at Hillsborough on Sunday.

Jack Payne with Jack Hunt when he was mascot at the Sheffield Wednesday game against Rangers last July. Picture: Laura Webb.

Jack Hunt said: "“I met Jack at our pre-season game with Rangers and I was immediately touched by his situation. He’s such a brave lad and a real inspiration. As a parent myself, I have complete admiration for the whole family. I am looking forward to meeting up with Jack again on Sunday when I will personally present him with my shirt.”