FOOTBALL fanatic Wilson McTeare met his team's big guns when he scooped an award for outstanding bravery.

The eight-year-old from Lake is a huge Arsenal fan and, although a severe form of haemophilia prevents him from playing the sport he loves, Wilson never misses a Gunners' game.

Since he was born, Wilson has faced regular hospital treatment and frequent injections as doctors boost his immune system to cope with the condition.

His positive approach to his illness inspired his parents Stuart and Fiona to nominate their football mad son for a Junior Gunners Award and were delighted when he was chosen for the prestigious prize.

Mr McTeare, who is also a life-long Arsenal supporter, said: "We received a letter inviting us to have lunch at the club and meet the players.

"It was a great surprise and we were really pleased because Wilson has always been so brave throughout the haemophilia treatments."

Wilson and his sister Flora (12), who are both in the Junior Gunners club, spent the day at Highbury with their dad and loved meeting their team and collecting autographs.

Star striker and Wilson's favourite player Thierry Henry presented his Affinity Award which is given to ten youngsters each year who show great courage in difficult circumstances.

"He was really nice," said Wilson, who attends Woodford Valley primary school.

"He is the best player because he scores the most goals and helps them win.

"I also had my photograph taken with some of the players."

Because of the risk of injury, Wilson will never be able to play competitive football, although he loves to kick a ball around the garden wearing his Arsenal shirt. His illness is complicated by a rare condition called inhibitor, which prevents haemophilia treatments from working effectively, and two years ago Wilson started twice daily injections as part of an intensive immune tolerization process.

Lucky the treatment seems to have worked and now Wilson receives three Factor 8 injections a week and check-ups at St Thomas' hospital in London which enable him to live a normal life.

"We wanted him to win the prize for coping so well with all those needles - he has always been very brave," added Mr McTeare.

"Wilson is a fourth generation Arsenal fan and enjoys football through the success of his team. We go and see several matches in the season but it was great to meet the players - it was a fantastic day."

Wilson hopes the Gunners will copy his winning ways and have another successful season.

"I think they'll win the premiership and the champions league," he said. "They are the best."