McCourt on '˜the best feeling in the world' (and it isn't scoring for Town)

The combative midfielder, one who wears his heart on his sleeve judging by his exuberant goal celebrations on Saturday, became a father two days before the season began.

And he says the arrival of daughter Harper has helped mature him.

McCourt, signed in the summer, is relishing fatherhood.

“It’s really good. It was a bit of a shock at the start but it’s the best thing that could happen to a man,” said the 22-year-old.

“I was scared because of my age and stuff but it’s the best feeling in the world.

“I was speaking to my missus about it and she was saying how much she’s seen me change and grow up in the weeks that the baby has been here.”

The Liverpudlian admits that having a baby has put a different spin on overnight trips for away games, but dealing with an extra, homeward tug on the heart-strings is part of his job.

“I’m used to living away from home,” he said.

“I live down here two to three nights of the week and I think the baby is getting used to the facetime calls now, she knows when daddy calls.

“It is a little bit difficult but you’ve just got to put that to the back of your mind and get on with it, it’s work for us.

“The missus doesn’t like it because then she’s got to do all the night feeds but to be honest she’s great.

“Even when I’m home, like last night, she did the night feeds and says I can have a sleep.”