Manchester United star Paddy McNair sends wee Ross shirt

Northern Ireland and Manchester United defender, Paddy McNair.

Picture: PressEye — Northern Ireland and Manchester United defender, Paddy McNair. Picture: PressEye

The footballer, who hails from the town, sent his own United shirt to the six-year-old with the signed message “To Ross, Best wishes, from Paddy McNair,” after hearing of his courageous battle with cancer.

Ross is in remission after being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukamia in February 2014 when he was just four-years-old.

McNair, who has his sights set on playing for Northern Ireland in the Euro 2016 finals in France, contacted Ross’ mum, Claire, telling her how he had been inspired by Ross’ courage.

Ballyclare boy Ross Patterson gives a thumbs up in Paddy McNair's Manchester United shirt. INNT 10-803CON

Ross is a pupil at Ballynure Primary School, the same school that McNair attended. He is also a talented footballer himself, having recently played a starring role in his first game for Ballyclare Colts, one of the United player’s former clubs.