Bexleyheath mum to cheer on son Liam Ridgewell in America's biggest football match - the MLS Cup Final

Ridgewell, 31, formerly of Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Brom, moved to US club Portland Timbers last year and is preparing himself for the MLS Cup Final.

Liam Ridgewell with the Western Conference Trophy 

The Timbers, captained by Ridgewell, take on Columbus Crew in the showpiece event in front of the Sky TV cameras at 9pm on Sunday (December 6).

Linda Ridgewell, 62, of Hythe Avenue, cannot wait to watch her son attempt to win his club's first ever MLS Cup - the match takes place in Columbus, Ohio.

She said: “I’m very proud of what he’s been able to achieve in only his second year with the Timbers.

“My husband, Liam’s two friends and agent flew out this morning to go to the game – I’ll be watching it on telly.

“I go out every Easter and summer with his two children to see him.

“He lives in Lake Oswego and I love it over there and so does Liam – It’s such a different lifestyle and it’s quite quirky and the people are nice.

“He has a lovely house on the lake and we take his boat to go to eat out at restaurants.”

Lake Oswego - picture by Esprqii 

Ridgewell, also from Bexleyheath, has two children Luka, 9, and Eva, 7, who could not fly out to watch their dad because of school.

The former England Under21 star, who made over 250 Premier League appearances, will be coming to England for a holiday after the final and his mum is looking forward to having him back.

Mrs Ridgewell added: “He’ll be flying back to England quite soon and will stay with us - he sold his house in Birmingham when he moved to America.

Ridgewell holding a flag made for him by Timbers fans

“He went to Bexleyheath School but left home at 15 to go and pursue football at Aston Villa.

“It’ll be so nice having him back but he might have to stay with the team a bit longer if they win because they’ll have a bus parade."