Alexis Mac Allister will take his World Cup day of destiny in his stride.

The Albion midfielder is expected to start for Argentina tomorrow as they face France in the final.

He has surrounded himself with family and close friends during his time in Doha.

His brothers Kevin and Francis have sought permission from their clubs Argentinos Juniors and Rosario to miss pre-season training over the weekend so they can attend the final.

Now an influential former coach, who is with Mac Allister’s tight-knit support group, has revealed how he is tackling the biggest days of his career.

Gabi Di Noia coached Mac Allister during his breakout year in the Argentinos Juniors under-20s.

He told The Argus: “Alexis has taken this tournament as something to enjoy like never before.

“Yes, he knows his responsibility and will have the nerves every player has to have to play in important matches, be it with Brighton or Argentina.

“But he doesn’t look nervous.

“These matches mobilise him.

“I’ve spoken to him in this tournament and he said it in his press conference before the quarter-final, when he said he was enjoying it.

“I listened to his press conference and what made me happy was to hear he was making the most of what was going on.

“When a player enjoys his football, always with responsibility of course, he does things better.

“For him the key word is he is enjoying the place where he has ended up.

“We have had maté (Argentinean tea) together and he was calm.

“We chatted, joked. He asked how we were.

“He was asking about his friends who were coming for the semi-final.

“How was their journey, how is the hotel?

“That says everything about Alexis.”