A LUCKY youngster from Harrow was chosen to escort the England football team onto the pitch ahead of their Euro 2012 qualifier, last Friday.

Piernan O'Kane, 10, was picked to walk alongside central defender Phil Jagielka at the England v Bulgaria match at Wembley, after winning a competition run by McDonald's.

Piernan said: "I’ve had such an amazing time and I can’t believe I walked out onto the pitch at Wembley with England. The whole evening was very special and I can’t wait to tell all of my friends about it."

The competition was run as part of MacDonald's Player Escort Programme.

McDonald's director of football, Sir Geoff Hurst added: "It’s fantastic to be able to offer youngsters the chance to meet their football heroes and to walk out on the pitch at Wembley – it’s an experience they’ll never forget."