Michael Owen and his girlfriend Louise Bonsall are expecting their first baby.

The England and Liverpool footballer said the couple were "delighted and excited" at the prospect.

"I've had a few exciting moments in my career but nothing that compares to how I felt when Louise told me the news," he said in a statement released on his behalf.

Louise Bonsall is four months pregnant

The couple, who are both 22 and have been dating since they were 14, have no immediate plans to marry.

Louise, who is four months pregnant, said in the statement: "We are both really delighted and excited at the prospect of being parents for the first time."

Owen and former bank clerk Louise have known each other since primary school.

The childhood sweethearts grew up in Hawarden, north Wales, where Owen owns a luxury home near his parents and siblings.

The Liverpool striker has a close knit family, of two brothers, Andrew and Terry, as well as two sisters, Karen and Lesley.

Louise was among several girlfriends and wives of England players who flew to Japan and Korea to support their partners during this summer's World Cup season.

Club 'delighted'

It is anticipated that the couple will bring up their first child in a �1.6m Tudor manor house in Northop, Flintshire, north Wales.

Owen bought the Grade-II listed property last year and his extensive refurbishment plans include a lavish play room, stables for 10 horses and a glass-roofed "leisure and fitness wing".

A spokesman for Liverpool Football Club said everyone there was "absolutely delighted".

"Michael is a very popular figure in the dressing room and everyone on the staff at the club is delighted for him and Louise," he said.