In a picture which immediately went viral, nine-year-old Joshua Follin was seen being hoisted into the air by Shelvey amidst scenes of wild celebration sparked by Dwight Gayle’s last-minute winner at St. James’ Park.
After seeing the photograph following United’s 4-3 win, kind-hearted Shelvey took time out after training on Monday to pay a visit to Joshua and his classmates at Shanklea Primary School in Cramlington – even taking along a signed copy of the photo for Joshua’s wall.
Jonjo said: “Games like that don’t come around too often so it was an unreal moment. Joshua was smiling and jumping around so I just thought I’d get him involved in the celebrations.
“I saw the pictures afterwards and I thought it would be nice to get something signed for him and come down to the school. It takes an hour of your day so it’s not a lot and it’s something we should be doing as footballers.
“You always try to relate to fans and I know little things like this go a long way. It has meant a lot to him and his family.”
Joshua, who was a ballboy at the match with his football team, Cramlington Juniors FC, said: “I was over the moon when he came and picked me up.
“I was jumping up and down, going crazy, when we scored. I can’t really remember much about what happened but it was really good.
“It was my first time as a ballboy. He just came and picked me up and I didn’t know what to do. It was really good and I was really excited to see him come into school today.
“He’s my favourite player now!”