HAT-TRICK hero Joe Mason has been sent a message of congratulations, from the last person to take home a match-ball for Wanderers!

Ex-Germany international Fredi Bobic contacted The Bolton News to pass on his well-wishes to the young striker, who netted three times against Rotherham United on Tuesday night.

Bobic was on loan from Borussia Dortmund in 2002 when he scored a hat-trick against Ipswich Town that helped Sam Allardyce’s side avoid relegation from the Premier League.

But Wanderers had waited 12 long years for someone to do the same until Mason struck three times in 24 minutes against the Millers to earn his side their first win of the season.

In a letter sent to our sportsdesk, the 42-year-old now working for Stuttgart in the Bundesliga wrote: “Hello Joe - congratulations on your hat-trick in the match last week.

“I’m still a supporter of the Trotters and I keep my fingers crossed for a successful season. Kind regards. Fredi Bobic.”