A youngster from Ashton Vale will proudly lead Bristol City on to the pitch at Ashton Gate tonight after winning a Bristol Post competition to become club mascot.

Charley Saunders, aged five, will walk out with his heroes as City face Portsmouth in an FA Cup third round replay.

Charley, who lives with his mum Theresa, 35, and brother Jacob, 13, in Silbury Road, is over the moon about being given the honour for tonight's big game.

Charley, who plays in goal for Bristol City Junior Supporters' under-six side and whose favourite player is City goalkeeper Adriano Basso, is confident his team will win, even against the Premiership club.

The Southville primary pupil said: "City will win 2-1. David James is rubbish. Basso's much better."

Mum Theresa said: "He's six on Friday so it's a really nice birthday present for him – he jumped up and down when he found out.

"He's been running up and down the hallway chanting Bristol City songs, although I'm a bit surprised at some of the words he's picked up!

"He keeps going on about what he's going to tell all the players, like saying Bradley Orr did the right thing signing a new contract."

It's not the first time that one of the Saunders family has been picked to be a Bristol City mascot.

Theresa said: "Jacob was the mascot at the play-off final at Wembley last season so we have been really lucky as a family. I think their friends are all a bit jealous."

Bristol City spokesman Jim Healey said: "We are delighted that Charley has won the chance to lead the team out on Saturday and hope he really enjoys what will be a fantastic experience for him."