Jay’s in running for ‘Goal of the Month’

Jay with his award in Barcelona this week

Jay got the chance of a lifetime last month when he was invited to New Douglas Park by Hamilton Academical for their clash with the Glasgow giants.

And the 11-year-old gave the Celtic team a stirring team talk before going on to score a goal on the pitch.

Fans in the packed terraces clapped and cheered as Jay scored and both sets of fans chanting “We love you Jay, we do” and “There’s only one Jay Beattie.”

Now Jay’s pre-match strike has been shortlisted along with nine others for Scottish goal of the month.

Plus the clip of Jay taking the shot has gone viral and news that he has been shortlisted for the goal of the month has hit the headlines in newspapers and websites across the world.

The youngster is up against stiff competition, including a goal scored by Celtic centre back Mikael Lustig in a clash with Motherwell, as well as Aberdeen striker David Goodwillie.

Jay hit the headlines last May when fellow Lurgan native and Celtic manager Neil Lennon spotted him in the 50,000 crowd in the midst of jubilant title celebrations at Celtic Park.

Lennon gave his league winner’s medal to Jay, and Greek striker Georgios Samaras carried him around the pitch on a lap of honour.

Jay’s dad Martin said at the time he had Jay in his arms when suddenly Lennon gave him his medal.

“We couldn’t believe it. It was an incredible gesture,” he said.

“Then Samaras came across and lifted Jay out of my arms and walked him around the ground and said really kind things about Jay in a television interview when he was holding him.

“Later on Kris Commons handed Jay his football boots.

“We went to watch a match and all this happened.

“It was very humbling. Jay was just delighted.

“This week he was showing his school friends Neil’s medal.”

The scenes went on to become a sensation on YouTube.

Last week Jay and his dad Martin flew to Barcelona to a gala awards ceremony. His friend George Samaras was due to receive a sports humanitarian award for his act of friendship with Jay. However Samaras was unable to go to the ceremony to pick up the award and sent Jay to collect it for him. Jay was also given the same award to keep.

To vote for Jay’s goal log on to http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/vote-now-for-goal-of-the-month/