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Aussie Everton fan jets in for last Goodison derby

family handout Mackenzie grins as he holds a blue Everton scarf aloft saying "The Pride of Goodison".family handout
Mackenzie has been called a "lucky charm" after arriving in time for the Blues' recent 4-0 win over Wolves

A football-mad Australian teenager said it would be incredibly "special" to be at Goodison Park to see his beloved Everton take on Liverpool in the famous old stadium's final Premier League Merseyside derby.

Mackenzie, from Sydney, told his Liverpool-born mother he wanted to attend the derby during the Blues' last season there.

Rita explained to BBC Radio Merseyside she had told her 15-year-old son back in March: "You've got no chance mate, we've just come back from England and there's no way I can save that money in the time we've got."

Undeterred, Mackenzie saved up his cash and recently returned for a two-week trip just in time to see Everton beat his dad's club Wolves 4-0 on Wednesday.

family handout Group family picture of Rita, flanked by her two sons in Everton shirts, by the Goodison Park pitch.family handout
Mackenzie and his younger brother followed in their mum's footsteps by supporting the Toffees

"Everyone says I'm a lucky charm," said the teenager, who is desperate for three more Premier League points against the Reds on Saturday.

The Toffeemen, who have played at Goodison Park since 1892, will move to their new 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season.

Mackenzie said he was really "looking forward" to the Liverpool game.

"I am sure it's going to be special," he said.

Family Photo The backs of a young Mackenzie and his younger brother wearing blue Everton shirts with the names of players Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Rodriguez while walking on a sandy beach in Australia. Family Photo
Mackenzie has swapped Sydney's summer sunshine for the wet and windy English winter

Rita, who decided to stay in Australia after travelling there as a backpacker for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, said: "When we came back [after Easter], he said it was his dream to go to an Everton v Liverpool game at Goodison Park.

"He saved up the money, used all his savings and said two weeks ago 'I'd really like to go mum - will you let me go?'

"I said I can't stop you if you've got the money. We're very proud of him."

Mackenzie, who is staying with his aunt, said he could have used his savings to eventually buy car but "loved" being back in Liverpool.

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