Seamus Coleman is going to be a father

Everton defender Seamus Coleman and his wife Rachel Cunningham are expecting a baby in 2016. The childhood sweethearts were married this summer in a private ceremony. The news was announced on Rachel's Facebook page.

The pair have been together for 11 years and were married in front of 280 friends and family members at the St Mary the Visitation church in Killybegs, Donegal. Coleman's groomsman at the wedding was his Everton and Ireland team-mate James McCarthy.

Also present at the ceremony were Ireland's Aidan McGeady, David Meyler and James McClean. Another Everton teammate Steve Naismith was also at the wedding, along with former teammates from Sligo Rovers, St. Catherine's and Killybegs GAA club where he played Gaelic football as well.

Picture courtesy of The Mirror

Coleman, who was signed for a paltry sum of £60,000 from Sligo by David Moyes was linked over the summer with some high-priced moves to Chelsea and Manchester United but was retained by Roberto Martinez.

By his standards, Seamie has been having a quiet season so far with no goals and only three assists in twelve appearances for the Blues. He is a lock for the right back spot on Martin O'Neill's Republic of Ireland squad for the 2016 European Championships in France, and along with becoming a father 2016 could be a truly special year for the player.