GIFT FOR GLORY IS RYAN’S FLAIR

RYAN SESSEGNON will have to add a Wembley play-off final goal to his impressive collection to get an 18th birthday present from his team-mates.

Sessegnon (above) celebrates his big day on Friday and got the party started by inspiring Fulham to reach the final with a goal and an assist against Derby.

But defender Tim Ream said: “What are we getting him, the team? Nothing! Nothing at all. If he scores at Wembley I’m sure we will get him something.”

If he does it will cap a dream season for the jewel in Fulham’s crown. His 16 goals have helped fire them to the brink of promotion and made him a transfer target for some of the biggest clubs in England and Europe.

But the youngster has taken all the attention in his stride, leaving his team-mates in awe.

Ream (right) said: “I don’t see why playing at Wembley is going to be any different for him. I’ve never seen a kid so calm in the face of you media types. He doesn’t yearn for the limelight.

“He just goes about his business and does his own thing. He’s taken everything as it has come this year and done it like a 35-year-old veteran.

“He’s completely different to any of the young players who are up and coming.

“He’s the quietest kid I’ve ever met. So different to all these other 17 year olds, in every aspect of his game. I liken him to a sponge. He takes everything on board – he listens.

“It’s just amazing what he’s done and what he continues to do.”

While Sessegnon has hogged most of the headlines, the unbeaten league run from December 23 to May 6 that propelled Fulham into the play-offs and the overturning of Derby’s 1-0 first-leg lead was a team effort. Now the final certainly will not faze them. Ream said: “You don’t go 23 games unbeaten without being confident. We know we’re more than capable of beating every team in this division. You respect everyone and you fear nobody. We take that mindset to Wembley with us.”