Daily Star Sunday

Delph’s waiting

- ■ from PAUL HETHERINGT­ON in Repino

FABIAN DELPH is ready for the race of his life.

The Manchester City midfielder will dash back from Russia for the birth of his third child the moment he gets the call from his wife.

Delph, whose versatilit­y also makes him an option at full-back, insisted yesterday that family comes first – despite being on World Cup duty.

And he has the full backing of England boss Gareth Southgate.

Delph said: “I’m not going to miss the birth of my child. I’ll get a heads up when I need to get back and Gareth knows how important it is.

“I don’t think this will affect me mentally. It’s not ideal, getting back in time and then coming back.

“But there are players in this squad capable of stepping in for me and doing the job – and if not a lot better.

“We want to do the country, our families and friends proud.”

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