Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister delights young fans with photos

Earlier this week, at Brighton's Lancing training ground, three young fans were delighted when Mac Allister stopped to speak to them.

Nine-year-old William Funnell and his cousins Albert, six, and Toby Witherden, 10, met Mac Allister after training. 

He stopped his car and signed their Christmas presents of autograph books and a World Cup ball. 

Mac Allister signing the autograph books (Image: Simon Funnell)

"The boys got autograph books from their great grandma for Christmas so we thought we would go and get some signatures," said William's dad Simon.

"We couldn't believe our luck when we found out Mac Allister was back."

The trio congratulated Mac Allister on winning the World Cup.

Mac Allister let the boys (and their dads) hold the gold medal (Image: Simon Funnell)

Simon asked if he had his medal with him, to which he replied: "Yes I do - would you like to see it?"

Mac Allister rummaged around his bag in the back seat of his car and took out his medal. 

• READ MORE: Brighton welcome back World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister 

The boys were "overjoyed" and Mac Allister even let them hold it and take a photograph with it. 

Simon added: "The boys were absolutely shocked and star struck. 

"They would not believe that their Brighton World Cup winning hero was kind enough to share his prized possession with them."

William, left, with his cousins Albert and Toby (Image: Simon Funnell)

William, Albert and Toby were "buzzing" after meeting their hero.

William said: "I am not going to wash my hands after touching that medal." 

The three boys are Albion fans, and Simon said the club is "super".

"You have world class players like Mac Allister who are still so grounded and down to earth."