Norwich City defender Russell Martin was happy to turn out for the Canaries with his girlfriend in labour!

Martin only told his team-mates about it just before the game - their 4-2 home win against Newcastle earlier this month - and he went out to play a starring role.

Martin, 25, then raced to the local maternity hospital straight after the final whistle where his partner Jasmine safely delivered their first child - a baby boy called Reno - just over an hour later.

Carrow Road boss Paul Lambert said: "We only found out that she had gone into labour at the last minute, but there was never any danger of him missing the match.

"Russell being Russell he just wanted to play the game and he went out and played absolutely brilliantly. He didn't even bat an eyelid. Then he dashed straight from the ground to the hospital after the game. So good for him.

"He started the season playing right-back but because of injuries we switched him to the centre of defence and he has been terrific.

"But you could put Russell anywhere on the pitch and he would perform. He always gives you an honest day's work.

"He's playing in central defence regularly for us now and he's doing great, he really is, and he's earned a call-up to the Scotland squad.

"But his form generally over the last year and a half or so has been of a really high standard. He never lets you down."