In-form Reading striker Jamie Mackie has announced he will miss the birth of his child in order to play Bradford City in the FA Cup on Monday.

mackie
Mackie will miss the birth of his child for the Bradford game

His wife, Sarah, is currently four days overdue, with the baby expected last Saturday- whilst Mackie was away playing in Bradford.

He is aware that the count down is on for his little arrival, but insists he is still raring to play for the Royals.

Mackie arrived from Nottingham Forest on loan for the season during the summer whilst Nigel Adkins was in charge of the club, but has suddenly found an inspired run of form under new boss Steve Clarke.

The 29-year-old scored two cracking goals at the Madejski Stadium last night as they over came an in form Brighton side.

Mackie was hailed as the best player on the pitch and was commended for a terrific work rate and two super strikes.

The former QPR forward told Get Reading: “We’ve been on tenterhooks.

“She was due on Saturday at the Bradford game but I couldn’t miss an FA Cup game for it.

“So I’ve got my phone on waiting. Hopefully the baby comes today and we can get ready for the Watford game.

“I’ve got to play in the FA Cup. Football is so important and my wife is extremely understanding

“We’re very fortunate with the job that I’ve got and the lifestyle we’ve got through it.

“My wife is amazing, she knows.”

Reading are currently in the middle of an FA Cup run and could potentially reach the semi-finals where they'll face Arsenal, but that only if they overcome giant killers Bradford City next Monday night, a game shown live on BBC One at 7:45.

The Royals are currently 16th in the Sky Bet Championship after last night's win against Brighton and have accumulated 44 points.