SCOTT Cardle reckons having Celtic superfan Jay Beatty in his corner will boost his chances of successfully defending his British lightweight title tonight.

Lifelong Hoops fan Cardle has become friends with Beatty after meeting him at several of his beloved Parkhead club’s matches.

He has asked the 12-year-old from Northern Ireland to carry his Lonsdale belt into the ring on the Ricky Burns undercard at the SSE Hydro this evening.

The Lytham St Annes-based 27-year-old believes having Jay there will help him defend his title against Kevin Hooper in his home town of Glasgow.

“Everyone knows wee Jay,” said Cardle. “I’ve met him loads of times at Celtic games and we’ve became good pals. He’s a smashing boy from a lovely family.

“I thought it would be a nice touch and he was over the moon when I asked him to carry my belt in. It will be great to have him. He’s been a great omen for Celtic over the years and hopefully it will rub off on me.”

Cardle added: “Don’t get me wrong, I am proud of my home town of Lytham, but Glasgow is in my blood. I’m a Glaswegian and I can’t say how much pride I have to be defending my British title here.

“It’s one of my dreams. I’ve managed to tick a few things off my list. Playing for Celtic in a charity match was one, parading my belt at Celtic Park on the opening day was another.

“But this is another one of the things I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid. I know what I need to do. I need to put on a show.”

Cardle believes he has a tough task on his hands making a third successful defence of his British title.

“Kevin has popped in to the gym a few times over the years and given me some tough sparring,” he said. “This is his cup final. He’s 32 now and this is his ultimate dream to get the British title.

“I want to go further, but that’s what makes him dangerous. I know I’m in for a tough fight because he’ll give everything.”