Timing Is Everything

Dec 19, 10:54 am ET

LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) - Everton goalkeeper Richard Wright had the birth of his wife's second child induced so he could play in Sunday's Merseyside derby against Liverpool.

Baby Bo was born last week and Wright told Everton's club Web Site: "The birth was always planned around football and so that all the family could be up here with us."

Everton manager David Moyes added: "The baby was due next weekend at the same time as the derby match so the birth was induced to allow Richard to play."

"Richard's delighted, wife and baby are doing fine and we're all very pleased for him."

Wright has been an important member of the Everton side that has surpassed expectations this season to lie fourth in the English premier league table, one place above Liverpool.

[I guess we know who wears the pants in that family!]

-- Anonymous, December 20, 2002