An ex-footballer has come to the rescue of a young boy with a rare condition who dreams of being the next David de Gea.

Nine-year-old Kai Evitt has ectrodactyly - the absence of central digits in his hands and feet - but wanted a pair of goalkeeping gloves for Christmas.

Standard gloves wouldn't fit the youngster and, after his family had no luck in their search for customised kit, former Partick Thistle keeper Kenny Arthur stepped in to help.

Arthur, from Bellshill, has his own goalkeeping brand and worked closely with his design team to sort something out for Kai - at no cost.

He said: "The reason our brand, Kaliaaer, exists is to make the life of a goalkeeper easier and to help them.

"From a player's point of view it can be a difficult and lonely position and when we get asked to help people then it's an absolute no brainer.

"We worked back and forward, between my head of design, the manufacturing partner and Kai's family to get something that worked. It took a couple of attempts and we got there.

"We've got a kid here that wants to be the next David De Gea and if we can help then it's an absolute pleasure.

"We have had a couple of projects like and it's really just an opportunity to give back. Football was kind to me and if we can give something back then that's something we are so happy to do.

"Kai's mum sent us the picture of him next to the tree and I messaged to say if he needs anything else, or needs them adapted, it's no problem."

Arthur refused to charge the family for the gloves and added: "It didn't even cross my mind to make a couple of quid off it.

"We just wanted to help."

Deborah McKee, Kai's mum, added: "Kai grew up loving football but he gets tired running about so being a goalkeeper suits him.

"He didn't have the gloves and normal gloves wouldn't fit his hands. His godmother Ashlea emailed Kenny Arthur and we got a reply asking for pictures of his hands.

"Within two weeks we got asked what colour and he came back with a final set. We were amazed.

"We asked about cost and he said he didn't want money.

"He sent two pairs of gloves for him and said if we need anything else to give him a shout."