Wigan's Ryan Colclough subbed for son's birth after scoring twice Published duration 22 November 2017

media caption Ryan Colclough's told BBC Radio Manchester he was 'overwhelmed' by his unique hat-trick

A footballer who scored twice before being subbed to see the birth of his son says he got there "just in the nick of time".

Wigan Athletic's Ryan Colclough made a double strike against Doncaster before a nod from his father watching in the stands indicated his partner's waters had broken.

He said he raced down the tunnel and made it to the birth - in full kit - with 30 minutes to spare.

He said: "It was a great feeling."

Both mother and his second son, Harley Thomas, whom he said weighed in at 8lbs 6ozs, are "doing very well".

The winger said he was "overwhelmed" with a great night "both on and off the pitch".

Colclough said he was not "too worried" going into the match as a scan earlier on Tuesday indicated it could be a "couple of days" before the arrival.

He said midwives had then told the couple the baby "was still very much tucked up".

However, just before he scored his first goal his father indicated she had gone into labour.

He said his "head was a little bit battered" and when he was subbed he was "straight down the tunnel... and got to hospital... as quickly as I could".

image copyright Bernard Platt image caption Ryan Colclough's goal celebration was captured by Bernard Platt in the Latics' 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night

After two hours sleep he said he was "doing errands" on Wednesday including "taking my kit back with the kitman" before visiting time.

Colclough, who is originally from Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, said he hopes to be back in action for Athletic against Rotherham on Saturday.

Latics team mates Shaun MacDonald tweeted "massive congratulations" while Max Power tweeted: "Great end to the night @ry_coco congrats mate."

The club tweeted about Colclough's "perfect hat-trick".

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