Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Everton defender Seamus Coleman has shown his charitable side by making a generous donation to help a "miracle" Irish child get to Merseyside to see his beloved Everton in action.

Coleman has donated £5,000 to allow Daire Flannagan from Belfast to make the trip across the Irish Sea to see his favourite team in action, report the Irish Mirror .

County Donegal native Coleman also sent a personal message to group on Facebook which was set up to help get Daire to see his favourite team at Goodison Park.

It said: "I read Daire's story online and would love to help get him his trip to Goodison next season.

"I made a donation of 5 thousand pounds and hope that can help get Daire and his family a safe trip to Liverpool. Looking forward to seeing you at a game next season."

Ciaran Rogan who set up the fundraising campaign told Belfast Live he couldn't believe it when he received the message.

"It's absolutely outstanding and overwhelming to know that a true blue player has given his support to something like this and to help a young lad out.

"It was overpowering message to receive," he said.

Daire defied the odds after being born with a rare genetic condition known as Apert Syndrome.

Doctors said he wouldn't survive 48 hours, but now he's a thriving, happy 6-year-old boy who loves Everton FC.

Everton have already been in touch with the family to offer Daire a game of his choice next season but it's the travel arrangements that are the most difficult.

His mum Colette told Belfast Live: "We know it's going to be tricky to make it happen as Daire can't fly in a regular aeroplane.

"He has to fly via Air Ambulance and that has to go through all the medical teams but if we could make it happen it will be worth it to see his face.

"When we have gone to England in the past for his surgeries he's had to fly via Air Ambulance as he needs oxygen in the air.

"So the boat might be the best option, I can't see why he couldn't go on the boat but the only thing is his concentration span and trying to keep him entertained but we'll hopefully get there."