A young British ex-pat whose promising football career was cut short by a sickening and unprovoked attack has met one of his childhood sporting heroes.
Danny Hodgson spent weeks in a coma fighting for life after he was attacked from behind and knocked unconscious outside Perth train station last September.
The 26-year-old spent seven months in hospital and still faces an uncertain future as his long road to recovery continues.
Danny Hodgson and his family met one of his lifelong heroes, Manchester United legend Denis Irwin in Perth last week
English Premier League heavyweights Manchester United have rallied behind the lifelong supporter since the life-changing incident with heartfelt video messages from superstar Christian Ronaldo and goalkeeper Dean Henderson, a childhood friend of Hodgson's.
Hodgson's reaction was priceless when he met Manchester United icon and childhood hero Denis Irwin at Optus Stadium last week.
The Red Devils legend signed jerseys and posed photos with Hodgson and his family before enjoying lunch together.
Irwin won 19 trophies with Manchester United, including their famous Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League continental treble in 1998-1999.
Denis Irwin (second left) sat down to have lunch with Danny Hodgson (right), his family and girlfriend Jess (second right)
Mr Hodgson's father, Peter revealed neither he nor Danny could not sleep the night before meeting the Irish legend.
'We couldn't sleep much it is like getting up on Christmas morning meeting Denis,' he told Seven News.
'To meet a legend like Denis is amazing. We're over the moon.'
His son added: 'I never thought I'd meet a treble player. It's a pleasure to meet Denis and speak with him.'
Danny Hodgson faces an uncertain future following a one punch attack seven months ago. He's pictured with girlfriend Jessica before the attack
Irwin was in Australia to meet with Australian-based fans ahead of Manchester United's pre-season blockbuster clash against Aston Villa in Perth on July 23.
Irwin extended an invitation for Mr Hodgson and his family to attend the match and meet the team.
"It's a miracle, finally getting to meet everyone,' Mr Hodgson's girlfriend Jess Pollock said.
Nicola Hodgson could not be any prouder of how far her son has come in the last seven months.
'Getting to meet the legend Dennis Irwin and having lunch with him, what a honor for a lifelong fan,' she wrote after last week's meeting.
'Not long until he gets to meet his childhood friend Dean Henderson his idol Christano Ronaldo and the rest of the Man United Team.
'Once again thank you WA, Man United, Optus stadium for giving Danny more motivation to get well soon.'
Mr Hodgson's attacker was recently sentenced to three years and eight months in juvenile
