Wednesday 22 November 2017 19:03, UK
Wigan winger Ryan Colclough said it felt "surreal" to score twice and then sprint off the pitch to see the birth of his son on Tuesday.
Colclough put Wigan 2-0 up against Doncaster at the DW Stadium, before his father signalled from the sideline that his partner was in labour.
"I saw my dad come right out down to the bottom of the stands and he sort of just gave me the action that the waters had gone, and then I knew that I needed to get off as soon as possible," Colclough told Sky Sports News.
"It's a little bit surreal… I looked over to my dad and saw him say 'get the message to the manager' - but then before I knew it I was in the box and I'd scored.
"I just celebrated because I knew what was coming and before I knew it I was off the pitch and on my way to the hospital."
Colclough, still in his full Wigan kit, made it to hospital just 30 minutes before his second son, Harley Thomas, was born.
"I got there as quick as I could, there was no time for getting dressed. And as soon as I got there it was literally 30 minutes later I had my son in my arms. I think my son made it a hat trick for me!" he added.
Wigan later posted a video message from team-mate Max Power on their official website.
"Good luck Ryan, good luck Steph. I hope everything goes well. He couldn't wait to get off the pitch, he was knackered!" Power said.
"But he scored two goals, played really well and let's hope the baby is safe. Good luck."
Wigan chairman David Sharpe also shared news of the arrival on Twitter, posting: "Congrats to Ryan Colclough who scored a brace in our win before being substituted to make it in time to see the birth of his son!"
