David Moyes has backed calls for Jermain Defoe to be awarded an OBE following his support to terminally-ill Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery, who turns six on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old striker has carried Bradley onto the pitch as the club’s mascot ahead of several matches this season - as well an England international at Wembley - and he will be at his birthday party later this week.
Defoe was pictured in January cuddling the youngster in his hospital bed and a petition to see him recognised for his kindness has now reached nearly 2,000 signatures.
Sunderland boss Moyes supports the campaign, and he said: ‘Jermain has shown real compassion for a very sick young boy.