West Ham's Patrick Kelly returns to old school to pass on some cup wining advice ahead of showpiece final

Patrick Kelly was back at one of his old stomping grounds this week hoping to bring a bit of luck to his old primary school. The West Ham midfielder popped into St Colum's Primary School in Portstewart to pass on his best wishes to the football team ahead of their appearance in the showpiece final for schools in the Coleraine area.

St Colum's take on Damhead Primary School in the Doherty Cup final at Coleraine Showgrounds tonight. Kelly is no stranger to the competition having been part of a real period of success for the school in the renowned cup tournament.

Kelly played a key role as the Portstewart school won it in 2015 having shared it in 2013 and 2014. The 19-year-old, who went on to play for Coleraine in the Irish League before making the switch to the Hammers, was delighted to be back at his old school and pass on some advice to the current crop of cup hopefuls.

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"It was nice to be back, and all the best for tonight," 'PK' posted on social media. The pupils and staff at St Colum's were delighted to welcome Kelly back.

"Look who popped into school today to meet our Doherty Cup team," they posted on their Facebook page. "Past pupil Patrick played in our 2013, 2014 and 2015 Doherty Cup teams and now plays midfield for West Ham United U21s.

"The boys were delighted to hear about Patrick’s memories of his days playing for St. Colum’s and in the Doherty Cup as well as his current roll with West Ham United. A huge thank-you to Patrick for taking time out of his busy schedule to wish the team good luck and pass on some tips and advice for tomorrow evening as well as signing just a few autographs."

It's a special night for their opponents Damhead Primary School as well as it's the first team they have ever reached the final! Kick-off at Coleraine Showgrounds tonight is 6.15pm.

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