Daniels on the rise to final glory

side group Boro are helping. He said: “These guys, they’re coming over and trying to make a better life. Sometimes escaping from fear and persecution.

“It is a shame. People want to learn English. They see the UK as a place where there are opportunities and peace. This is a country to get a better job and learn.

“My family came here because they wanted my brothers and sisters to get a better life, and education.

“All I spoke at home was Lingala and French. Then I went to primary school and learned English.

“I spoke to Patrick just then. It brings back all the memories about my mum and dad. They are trying. Really trying. They want work and work hard.

“Patrick and me have an affiliation. Both from Congo. I speak the language. We chatted in it. He felt free to speak to someone from Congo and knows the struggle. He told me he has dreams and ambitions here.

“Football helps everyone integrate. It is one language. The feet do the talking. You say someone is a good player and they start talking and it is a never-ending story. It brings everyone together. I remember in London, we lived in a tall block in Abbey Road and we had all sorts of nationalities and we’d play football.

“Football helps a lot. It has made me a better person.”

Assombalonga tells the group about his journey up the leagues – including Braintree and Southend.

“I have been the record signing for all my clubs! It is a big achievement. My mum tells everyone! She says, ‘My son is the record signing of Forest and Middlesbrough’!

“I’m not going to boast about it, but she can! When my little one does something good when she is older I’ll be telling everyone!”

They ask if he will be the Championship’s top scorer, with more than 20 goals. “Yes!”

They vow to follow him and support Boro. “I’ll have to do it now,” he says. “Or I’ll not be able to show my face next time!”

The asylum seekers are captivated and smile. Perhaps they see hope for themselves in Assombalonga’s story.

TRUE BRITT AND CLASSY Record Boro signing Britt Assombalonga is doing his bit on and off the pitchMFC Foundation has engaged with 500,000 people, delivering 20,000 qualifications and invested £25m in the Teesside community. LESSON TIME: Assombalonga is helping out asylum seekers CHARLIE DANIELS is eyeing a Wembley cup final to complete Bournemouth’s remarkable rise from the bottom of League Two.Eddie Howe’s Cherries can book a quarter-final spot by beating Middlesbrough tonight – just eight years after almost dropping out of the Football League and going to the wall.Left-back Daniels (above) said: “From League Two to a League Cup final is a great journey. If we can get some silverware that would be a great chapter in the book.“Middlesbrough are a great side. We know it will be a tough game as they are only a couple of points off the play-offs.“They are going to come down full of confidence so we know we will need to put in a good performance to get in the next round.”Daniels last week became the first British player to join the Common Goal initiative spearheaded by Juan Mata (right) – pledging one per cent of his wages to charity.The former Tottenham trainee was inspired by becoming a dad and watching Children in Need.Daniels said: “Once I read through what they do it was a no-brainer. I felt it was something I could get involved in and I signed up to it without any hesitation.“Fatherhood changes everyone. You see children in a different light. The stuff you see on TV and the charities around that does get to me.“Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson is set to make his comeback after eight months out with a cruciate knee injury.