I'm now 'Charlie Savage's dad', he's an inspiration with Man Utd PL debut next

There was nothing more pleasing to me than when my son Charlie stepped on that pitch in the 89th minute to make his debut for Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Champions League and I was commentating for BT Sport, bringing him on.

It was the greatest night of my life and the greatest night of his life.

It was a bit emotional before the game because I was thinking about my dad and how he used to take me everywhere when I was a kid.

My emotions were of a dad and I briefly took my BT Sport commentating hat off. I had to keep it in to try and be professional because I was the proudest father in the world.

I was part of the Class of '92 at United and we're still close. I've had messages off Becks, Scholesy, Gary Neville and Phil Neville, saying how proud they are of Charlie.

If someone had said to me six months ago, you'd be commentating on bringing Charlie on in the Champions League at Old Trafford, I'd have said no chance.

It just goes to show.

People who don't understand might say 'well, obviously his dad must have opened doors for him'. There's nothing further from the truth.

He's had added pressure on him to succeed. He's had to work five to 10 per cent harder because he's my son. He's had lots of critics, I've heard it like 'he's only here because of his dad'.

When will Charlie Savage make his Premier League debut? Comment below

He's had no special treatment, he's been treated like every other youngster.

All the coaches at Manchester United's academy, Darren Fletcher, Nick Cox, Neil Harris, Justin Cochrane, Neil Ryan, Neil Wood, Karl Brown, Tony Whelan, Dave Bushell, they've all believed in him.

Apologies if I've forgotten anyone, they've all been brilliant.

I think Charlie's a great example for any youngster of what you can achieve.

He's been at Manchester United since the age of five. At every stage he's been in a group of players. Has he ever been top of the group? No. Has he ever been called the wonderkid? No.

But what he's done is he's achieved every landmark. Does he go from The Cliff to Carrington at 14, does he get another two years, then at 16 does he get a scholar, then at 18 does he get a pro, then does he get into the Under-23 on a regular basis, and then the ultimate dream, does he wear the first team shirt?

Charlie is an example to parents of young players that kids develop at different rates.

What your child needs is your support to take them to training and matches and be a shoulder to cry on if needs be.

That's what me and my wife have done for Charlie and I also need to mention his younger brother Freddie here because he has also supported him totally.

Other brothers might have been jealous of Charlie's success, but not Freddie.

I think Charlie can be an inspiration for youngsters who aren't top of the group, but who have an inner strength to go and prove people wrong.

He's been his own man and made his own decisions, like over his choice of agent.

At 16, agents were swarming all over him, wanting him to sign with them. But he was strong enough to wait until he was 18 and signed a professional contract before he decided who to go with.

He chose New Era Global Sports, where is supported on his journey by Chris Gankserseer, Jake Mallen, Jamie Moralee and Rio Ferdinand and Jamie Moralee. They have given great advice, guidance and will continue to help him in his career.

I've said to him whatever happens now, through determination, application, desire, being humble, taking the right pathways and not getting carried away, you've done more in your 18 years than millions of kids in this country aspire to do.

You've achieved the dream, but that dream is only starting. Now you go again, you need to work even harder, don't rest on your laurels and savour every moment.

Who knows what the new year will bring for Charlie? In the space of a year, he's played for Wales Under-19s and the next step is to play for the Under-21s.

He's made his senior debut for United in the Champions League and he will now want to get into a Premier League squad.

United have been great at sending young players out on loan and I know there is no better club in the world to structure his pathway.

Most importantly, I'm now Charlie Savage's dad, he shouldn't be known as Robbie Savage's son.

It's all about him and always has been.