Vuckic dedicates goal to baby daughter

The Slovenian midfielder became a father for the first time a week ago when his wife gave birth to baby Hana and he marked the moment with a goal after coming on from the bench on Saturday.

With the game deadlocked at 0-0, second-half substitute Vuckic took a good first touch inside the area to take the ball beyond City goalkeeper Ben Williams before sliding it into the goal.

His thoughts immediately turned to his new little family.

“One week ago on Friday, our girl came Hana, so I’m a very proud daddy,” he beamed after the game. “Mum is OK as well thank God so we’re all happy!

“She was born in Wigan so she is a Wiganer! It doesn’t matter where she’s born though, so long as she’s healthy and happy.

“Life can be tricky, everything can change but if you’re healthy and happy that’s what is important.

“I had my little girl in mind (when I came on). I just wanted to win the game. When I scored I dedicated it to my little girl Hana and to my wife.”

Vuckic’s first goal for Wigan game against Sheffield United in January when he put the ball up his shirt during the celebrations to show his excitement ahead of his first born’s birth.

The new dad showed no signs of sleepless nights when he entered the game an hour in on Saturday, though.

Equally determined to prove to manager Gary Caldwell that he is worth a starting spot, the 23-year-old made sure he got a good night’s rest before the game.

“I slept in the other room the night before,” he said. “That was the plan so I did sleep well - apparently she didn’t though!

“Everything is going well. We just have to keep working hard, not just me on the pitch but at home to bring my little daughter up.”