TORONTO – On a team that already sports a five-foot-four forward in Italian star Sebastian Giovinco, four-foot-10 Murphy Malone did not look that out of place at Toronto FC’s practice Friday.

There were smiles all around as the 11-year-old from Cheshire, Conn., on the comeback trail from multiple heart surgeries, became part of the MLS team — at least for a day.

Toronto FC signed the 70-pounder on a one-day contract, inviting him into the team dressing room, including him at practice — even showcasing him on the team roster on its website.

“I’m still lost for words,” said the young fan as he was scrummed by reporters at TFC’s practice facility after training with the team.

Malone, a forward who calls Giovinco and fellow forward Jozy Altidore his favourites, initially chose to support Toronto FC because its colours are the same as his team in Cheshire. “I just picked up a liking for them and then I got hooked.”

Toronto FC gear was a constant for Malone in hospital where he has undergone numerous surgeries to correct a congenital heart defect that resulted in his heart not oxygenating properly. He is now well enough to resume playing soccer.

When his father told him about the trip to Toronto, he made no mention of the special plans the club had for him.

“Then they picked me up and I was kind of shocked,” said Malone Jr., wearing a No. 26 TFC jersey. “I thought we were just going to explore the city, maybe eat somewhere. I wasn’t really expecting this.”

Signing a one-day contract also came out of the blue.

“It was pretty cool,” said Malone, drawing laughs when he added: “(I) still don’t have that signature down yet.”

Toronto coach Greg Vanney marvelled at the youngster seemingly nutmegging one of his players, poking the ball though his legs at training.

Vanney jokingly told the team they had signed a new player who was going to start in Giovinco’s position.

On a more serious note, Vanney said his players got as much from the session as Malone did.

“It’s the thing that puts all of this into perspective … we’re very fortunate in what we do and to touch people lives and to motivate others,” said Vanney, a father of four. “But they motivate us more sometimes than we motivate them, I think.”

Added goalkeeper Alex Bono: “It was a real pleasure, he’s a great young kid.”

On Saturday, Malone will see his first ever Toronto FC game live when the Seattle Sounders visit BMO Field. He’s been waiting almost a year for the opportunity to see his favourite team in person.

“It was a little hard waiting for it, because the days couldn’t go any slower,” he said. “It was awesome finally getting here.”

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