When Elliott Bolton came off the bench for AFC Wimbledon in Germany last weekend, it took him a step closer to completing an amazing journey with the club.

The midfielder received a late call-up from Wally Downes for the matches against Kaiserslautern and Kickers Offenbach.

At just 17, Elliott made his first team bow as he came on towards the end of both games, but this isn’t even the start of his story with The Dons

“I was the first AFC Wimbledon mascot against Chipstead back in August of 2002,” Elliott said.

“Joe Sheerin was the captain and he carried me out on to the pitch. I can’t really remember much as I was so young.

"I’ve got newspapers that we’ve kept up in the loft for so many years and a framed picture.

“My dad (Neil) was the mascot for the last time for Wimbledon FC (before they were elected into the Football League in 1977) back in the Southern League, so that’s a bit of history there too.”

On being called up for first team action in Germany, Elliott said he couldn't believe it.

"There were only seven of us that got the call-up to go to Germany," he added.

"I really looked forward to being around the first-team environment.

"I’ve watched them from the stands, but to be out there with them on the pitch and with the fans singing was incredible!”

Wimbledon's new under-18s coach Rob Tuvey praised Elliott’s attitude and influence in the dressing room for the young Dons.

“Elliott is the first one in the changing room to remind everyone what our story means,” he said.

“He’s a Wimbledon fan like me and a couple of others in the squad.

"He’s an absolute dream to coach and as a Wimbledon fan he understands what it means to everyone.”