A YOUNG Albion fan’s dream came true when his favourite player gave him his match shirt after the full-time whistle sounded.

Seagulls supporter Zak Ellenger stood in the front row at the Amex Stadium on Saturday eagerly holding up a sign asking Albion defender Ezequiel Schelotto “can I have your shirt please?”.

With a 3-1 win over West Ham in the bag, 11-year-old Zak was even more thrilled when he left the stadium after Schelotto jumped over the barrier at full-time, took his shirt off and happily handed it over.

The Rudyard Kipling Primary School pupil, from Woodingdean, said: “It was a very fun, exciting game and a very special moment.

“He always keeps on running.

“He is definitely my favourite player.

“I think I am going to put the shirt in a frame in my bedroom.

“I thought it was a much-needed win.

“My nine-year-old brother Sid was there with me too.

“Schelotto said on Twitter afterwards something like ‘It doesn’t matter if you win or lose all that matters is people look up to you’.”

The Argus published a picture of the jubilant exchange in Monday’s newspaper as part of a picture spread of Albion fans at the game, with a call-out for anyone who recognised Zak to get in touch.

His father Shaun contacted us to say how overjoyed his son was after being given the shirt.

Zak’s mother, Sarah, 43, said: “It was very exciting for him.

“The children look up to players and Zak was really made up that he took time to read his sign.

“It is a big thing for Brighton and Hove players to be where they are.

“It is a family club and little things like that go a long way.”

Schelotto signed to Albion last August from Portuguese Primeira Liga club Sporting Lisbon.

The 28-year-old Argentine player also previously played for Inter Milan after signing with the Italian club for six million Euros in early 2013.

Albion’s success on Saturday began with an early goal from Glenn Murray, followed by great strikes from Jose Izquierdo and Pascal Gross.