Schoolboy football fan Daniel Smith is preparing for his appearance in front of millions of TV viewers at World Cup '98 in France.

Daniel, 14, of Cliffe, near Selby, will experience the magic of the world's greatest soccer tournament when he leads out the teams from Japan and Jamaica at Lyon on Friday, June 26.

Daniel will carry the flags of the teams on to the pitch in front of 40,000 fans and a global television audience.

He will be part of a contingent of 1,000 flag bearers selected by drinks company Coca-Cola to carry each nation's colours during the tournament from June 10 to July 12.

"I couldn't believe it when I found out I had won. It's always been a dream to go to the World Cup - now I'm actually going to take part in it too," said Daniel, who attends Barlby High School.

He won the opportunity by entering a Coca- Cola competition in which entrants identified national flags and completed a slogan.

The prize includes flights to and from France for the winner and a parent, match tickets, training at the French Football Federation camp and a trip to Disneyland Paris.

Daniel is a Manchester United supporter and plays for York City Boys Under-14s, Brayton Juniors U-14s and his school.

His dad, Paul, who is also going to France, said: "I think it is fantastic. I am a football fan myself and with Daniel being so heavily involved in football I go and watch all the games I can when he is playing."

Paul rates England's chances of winning the World Cup as "slim".

Joining Daniel in the same role at the game in Lyon will be schoolboy Ben Taylor, of Bridge End, Birstwith, Harrogate, and his dad, Andrew, who also struck lucky in the competition.

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