THE SCHOOLBOY who Jack Grealish dedicated his World Cup goal to has told how the England superstar’s gesture “made his year”.

Grealish kept his promise to Finlay Fisher by performing a ‘worm’ celebration after hitting the back of the net in England’s rout of Iran yesterday.

The Manchester City ace had vowed to do the celebration after meeting cerebral palsy sufferer Finlay, 11, earlier this year at his club’s training ground.

Finlay had also sent Jack a letter to tell him about life with the condition which Grealish’s sister, also suffers from.

Speaking to GB News, Finlay said: “I couldn’t believe it when it made my day. It made my year actually. Jack really inspires me because he knows what it’s like. I think I really get along with him because he helps me with things. And it gives me more confidence to play football.

“When he scored I thought it might forget, but then obviously when he did it, I was cheering. I was so excited. I got it on record as well.

“He’s my best friend. And also, Callum Wilson for assisting Jack Grealish is also a legend. I think we are going to win the World Cup!”

“I hope it catches – I think the whole England team needs to go worm crazy.”

Reflecting on the letter he sent to Jack, Finlay added: “Jack’s sister was born with cerebral palsy. People don’t quite understand the struggles that we will go through on a daily basis, you know, things are a lot harder. And it’s just nice to make people aware.”

Dad Daniel added: “It was unreal. Yeah, I mean, the fact that I remembered it just meant so much to Finn. It was a marvellous day yesterday but To have him remember, I mean, he’s got a lot on his mind. A lot of the players do a lot of work that isn’t necessarily reported, you know, so it’s nice that this has been recognised.

Jack’s sister was born with cerebral palsy. People don’t quite understand the struggles that we will go through on a daily basis, you know, things are a lot harder. And it’s just nice to make people aware.”

Finlay had written to his favourite player earlier this year and referenced the Manchester City star’s close bond with his sister, who also has the condition.

“I wish there were more people in the world just like you who treat people with disabilities the same as anyone else,” the 11-year-old wrote.

Finlay also told Grealish it was his “dream” to meet him in real life, describing him as his “hero”.

Grealish followed up with a letter of his own and also made a surprise visit to meet Finlay in person at a football session run by the City In the Community programme.

It was there that he pledged to dedicate his next goal to Finlay, who initially suggested the more challenging dance move “the worm” before settling on a simpler arm gesture.

“First of all, I’ve got to try and score, then I’ll do it for you, but I’ve only scored once this season,” Grealish said, in a video captured by the Premier League.

“I’ll do it for you, I promise, next time I score.”

Grealish came on as a substitute in England’s first game of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before slotting home a close-range finish to put the Three Lions 6 – 1 up against Iran.

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The final result at the Khalifa International Stadium was 6 – 2.

After his goal, Grealish tweeted: “For you Finlay.”

In a press conference after the match, England manager Gareth Southgate described Grealish as a “lovely human being” who is “very aware” of the impact he can have.

The midfielder has spoken previously about his “close” relationship with his sister and raises awareness of cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and coordination.