JIMENEZ AND THE SON ARE SHINING

Hot-shot Raul loving life as he prepares to become a dad

RAUL JIMENEZ hit a different sort of target at a gender reveal with his pregnant partner.

And Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo is backing the Mexican striker to continue to shine on the pitch for Wolves because he is so happy off it.

The Molineux hitman (right) is on cloud nine as he prepares to become a dad with Mexican actress Daniela Basso.

The couple revealed they are having a boy in a fun shoot-out game at Molineux in front of family and friends.

Jimenez, who has 22 goals this season, hit a mocked-up target in the top-right corner with a shot from the edge of the box. It prompted blue smoke to shoot up from the goal and a message declaring “Congratulations” to appear on the big screen in front of team-mates, including strike partner Diogo Jota.

Ahead of Brighton’s visit today, Nuno said: “I think he is happy and living and enjoying the moment. Life is not only football, it goes beyond football.

“It is normal to attend such a special moment when you have your first child. I measure it by photos – I have 10 albums for my first child, the second one less, and the third on my phone! But the first one is a big thing and I am happy for him and his family.”

Wolves shared footage of the gender reveal online, where Jimenez has more than three million followers. He scored the latest of his 13 Premier League goals this season last weekend to clinch a 3-2 win at Spurs. He also has six assists. His devastating performances this season have been pivotal in helping Wolves climb to sixth and move into the Europa

League last 16. With Chelsea and Manchester United not playing until tomorrow, Wolves could climb into fourth place by beating Brighton at Molineux this afternoon. But the reverse fixture last season ended goalless, even though Wolves forced 14 corners to Brighton’s one.

Nuno, who has tried to keep a lid on top-four talk among buoyant Molineux fans, believes a stable family environment helps his players perform well on the pitch. Many of his squad live lowkey family lives locally in leafy Tettenhall. The Wolves boss admits he would be unhappy if he saw them rolling out of nightclubs late at night after going drinking.

He said: “I hope not – otherwise they will be in trouble.”

THAT’S FOR YOU Jimenez celebrates his goal against Norwich (left) with a kiss and tribute to his pregnant partner, Daniela Basso