Blackburn-born Mahoney took part in small-sided games with a host of male and female pupils as part of a Premier League Kicks scheme and a girls football programme.

Rovers' Community Trust run Kicks sessions throughout Blackburn, Darwen and South Ribble on a regular basis and over the past year, the Trust has engaged with more than 500 young people through the programme.

Chris Brankin, Premier League Kicks Coordinator for Rovers' Trust, said: “The programme was set up by the Premier League and we run free sessions to help keep kids participating in sport.

“Once a month we’ll play against another club and we also have regional and national tournaments as well.

“It’s great to see the girls getting involved, we’re pushing nearly 20 of them a week which is fantastic, the women’s game is really up and coming."

Midfielder Mahoney was only to happy to make a visit to the school.

“It’s great coming down, giving something back to the kids is something every footballer should do," he said.

“I used to take part in after-school activities and I was starstruck when young footballers used to come down, give up their spare time and have a kick around with us.

“A lot of girls are getting involved in sport, it’s something that is growing and I think it’s really good."

Mahoney played a starring role in the Under-21s league cup victory over rivals Burnley on Monday.

The 18-year-old provided an assist for Matthew Platt as well as scoring the final goal in the 3-1 victory.

“To score against Burnley was one of the best things I’ve done so far, I was glad that we got the result," he added.

 "It was an important one for me and it was an important one for the lads.

“It was a good game and Burnley started well and got the early goal, but we showed good character to come back, we pushed on in extra-time and there was only one side going to win and that was us.

“Jack Doyle put a superb ball in, when I got it there was only one thing on my mind and thankfully it went into the top corner.”