Football superstar Michael Owen is celebrating after his wife gave birth to their second child.

James Michael Owen was born at 12.56pm on Monday at the Countess of Chester Hospital, Chester, weighing 7lbs 9oz.

Owen said: "Louise and James are both doing well and we're all thrilled."

The newborn is Owen's second child and his first son. The England superstar and wife Louise, 25, already have a two-year-old daughter Gemma Rose, born in May 2003.

The family moved to a £2 million home near Belsay, Northumberland, when Owen, 26, signed for Newcastle from Real Madrid for a club record £16 million. He says Northumbria is the perfect place to raise a family.

He said: "My daughter hasn't shown any sign of a geordie accent yet, but it's only a matter of time."

The new family addition will no doubt be a great lift for Owen, whose football career is currently on hold as he recovers from a broken bone in his foot.

However, he remains positive about his prospects of playing in this summer's World Cup and getting back onto the pitch for his club Newcastle before the end of the season.