Teen who flew 10,000 miles for cancelled Merseyside derby meets Everton team

Fifteen-year-old Mackenzie from Australia is a BIG Everton fan.

So big, that he used all his savings to fly all the way from Australia to attend the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool last weekend.

But, when it came to the day of the game, Storm Darragh rolled in with high winds and heavy rain, forcing the mach to be called off.

Mackenzie was gutted... Until his story started to be shared on social media.

Mackenzie met the players at their training session

Mackenzie had used the money he was saving for driving lessons for the trip. A lifelong Everton fan, lots of his family live in Liverpool, and he was planning to use his uncle's season ticket to watch the match.

When Everton and Liverpool finally meet at Goodison Park, it will be the final Merseyside derby at the famous ground, because Everton are moving to a new stadium for next season.

After news of Mackenzie's disappointment spread, eventually, Everton captain Séamus Coleman decided to step in, sending him a video message.

He invited the teenager to Everton's training and offered him the chance to meet the players.

Mackenzie's uncle had given up his season ticket for the teenager for the derby

After accepting the offer, Mackenzie arrived for his visit on Monday, saying: "It's amazing. I'm absolutely over the moon to be here. It's great to meet all the lads. I just came here to watch a football match and now it's this".

Everton player James Tarkowski praised Mackenzie for being a dedicated fan: "To see someone who's travelled halfway around the world to come watch the game is amazing. Im gutted for him, I was gutted for myself that the match wasn't on. But obviously it was good he got to come in and meet the lads today."

Mackenzie asked the players to sign his shirt

The Merseyside derby was scheduled to be the 245th match between Everton and Liverpool.

But due to the winds and impact of Storm Darragh the game was postponed at 8:30am on Saturday morning.

A date is yet to be decided for the match to be rescheduled.

Mackenzie even got to join in training with the squad

Whilst it is hoped that the game will be played soon, it might be a little too far for Mackenzie to make the long journey again.

However, the teenager did manage to see Everton's match with Wolves and there is hope for him to watch another game before he leaves.

The club have offered to get him a ticket for their next game against Arsenal in London, this weekend.

In Mackenzies words it's "an amazing opportunity to see them play in London."