From nappies to Baggies! Harry Kane on fatherhood and West Brom

It’s just over two years since Harry Kane blasted himself into football’s stratosphere with two goals against champions-elect Chelsea at the Lane. Now his life has changed forever again, this time off the pitch.

Those wondering why the striker’s name wasn’t in the 18 to face Villa in the FA Cup last weekend needn’t have worried.

His mind was very much elsewhere – at the birth of his first child with long-term partner Kate, a baby girl named Ivy Jane Kane.

For a young man, 23, who has already seen just about everything in his football career – from breaking through our Academy, ups and downs in loan spells and proving early doubters wrong to a goal on his England debut, breaking the 30-goal barrier in his first full season right through to winning the Premier League’s Golden Boot last term – this life experience was something else.

“The whole experience of being at the birth was quite surreal and one of the best feelings in the world, to become a dad,” said Harry.

“I wanted to be there for Kate and I’m so proud, especially proud of Kate, she was great, amazing.

“I don’t think you can really put it (the experience of being there at the birth) into words. It’s totally different from, say, scoring a goal and the adrenaline rush you get from that. It’s overwhelming really. It’s a miracle the way it all happens and to see a young human being coming into life was just incredible.

“It’s something that changes your life, and changes it for the better. I can’t wait to watch her grow up, she’s so small at the moment it’s crazy.”

Harry has taken a few tips from another new father – Kieran Trippier. “Yes, he’s let me know a few things,” said Harry. “I’ve been helping feeding, changing and getting her to sleep. I want to be involved and do everything I can to make sure she’s happy.”

It’s quite a story for Harry and Kate, who were childhood sweethearts. “I’ve known Kate my whole life, we went to primary school together, secondary school together and to see where we are now in life is a great, great feeling,” he beamed.

For the time being, Harry will swap the bottles and nappies for the day job – and finding a way past Tony Pulis’ stubborn West Brom as we return to Premier League action in Saturday’s early kick-off (12.30pm).

We go into the game on a run of six successive wins in all competitions and on the back of a fine 2-0 victory against Chelsea last time out in the Premier League.

“We’re coming off a great result against Chelsea, we did well in the FA Cup and it feels like ages since I last played so I’m looking forward to getting back out there, I can’t wait!” he added.

“West Brom are certainly difficult to beat. They are well-oiled, disciplined and Tony Pulis has them structured and playing the way he wants. It will be tough but we’re at home, we’re on a good run and we have to try and continue that. We’ve got to get out there and do it.”