RHYS EVANS is desperately hoping to avoid becoming a 'father by tannoy' at Boundary Park tomorrow.

The Town goalkeeper's partner Rachel was due to give birth to the couple's first child on Tuesday but the youngster has stubbornly refused to put in an appearance as yet.

Evans was due to join up with his Town colleagues this morning as they headed north for a workout at Manchester United's training ground ahead of tomorrow's clash with Oldham Athletic.

The Town stopper admits it is hardly ideal but he hopes a clean sheet will be followed by a clean delivery.

He said: "I think if the baby arrives at five to three tomorrow, the plan is to tell me after the game.

"I certainly don't want to hear it over the tannoy like you hear about sometimes at matches.

"I have to work for 90 minutes on Saturday but I'm sure Rachel will be happy if the delivery is over in that amount of time."

Evans has ruled out leaving a mobile phone in the back of the net along with his spare gloves and towel though.

Town boss Andy King has been completely understanding about the situation.

Evans said: "The gaffer said the baby had obviously poked its head out, taken a look at its dad, decided it didn't like the look of him, and promptly went back inside.

"Seriously, if it got to the stage where there was time to get back to Swindon ahead of the match, I'm sure the gaffer would be understanding."

Evans joked that it was probably in rival Bart Griemink's best interests to see the birth take place tonight or in the early hours of tomorrow, thereby guaranteeing himself a recall.

"I expect Bart will probably be sending a curry round tonight to try and make speed things up."

Strictly on the football front, Boundary Park holds happy memories for Evans.

He said: "I made my Football League debut there while I was on loan at Bristol Rovers in 2000.

"We were 3-0 up at half-time and went on to win 4-1. I'd settle for that again."

Town boss King was sweating on the fitness of Tommy Mooney today but should he fail to make it, new boy Rory Fallon is poised to make his Town debut.

He said: "I am told that we haven't a great record at Oldham but I'm not concerned about the past. As I have said, this club has shown a progression this week by making funds available to bring in a player. I hope that's provided everyone with a boost.

"Iain Dowie has lost players over the summer and is now having to work under the same restraints as the rest of us. It shows you how the game can change both for you and against you."