She was nicknamed Roona Moona after England’s star striker Wayne Rooney. Her owner, John Tudor, of Oakengates, Telford, organised the canine World Cup final at AFC Telford United’s New Bucks Head ground.

Molly has now given birth to a litter of eight adorable puppies, which Mr Tudor said are guaranteed to follow in their mother’s footsteps in the footballing world.

The puppies, who have all been named after chocolates, are Thornton, Cadbury, Bournville, Millie, Chip, Fererro, Lily O’Brien and Muffin.

Mr Tudor, who delivered the puppies with his wife, Diane, said: “Molly – our football star – has had a team of her own.

“She has had eight chocolate labs and they are absolutely stunning. She went into season just after the World Cup match and the owner of the dog we wanted to put her with knew her from the Shropshire Star and the match.

“People would stop me in the street because they recognised her as the footballing dog – she’s a little celebrity.”

Mr Tudor, who had Molly in her first football shirt and kicking her first ball at 12 weeks old, said he hoped to do the same thing with the puppies in just a few weeks.

Mr Tudor said they would be keeping one of the pups but would have to sell the others. Anybody interested in buying one of the little “chocolates” can call 07914 399577.

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