Barton names baby after boxing legend Ali

Controversial Joey Barton has become a father for the first time - and named his child after  boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

Cassius Barton and the weirdest football players' baby names  

The QPR midfielder, who has turned his life around after once being jailed for punching a man outside McDonald's, rushed from Rangers' draw at Swansea to see partner Georgia McNeil gave birth to a son and promptly called him Cassius in honour of Ali's original name Cassius Clay,

Barton Tweeted: "He's here Cassius Joseph Barton. 7 pound 3 oz. Mother and baby are fine. Wow what a blessing that is."

He had earlier joked: "Game done, now to the hospital. Missus is going into labour. Great timing luv".

Fans and fellow footballers this morning offered their congratulations to the 29-year-old and girlfriend Georgia McNeil.

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes commented: "Congrats joey. Very happy to welcome the new ranger. Congrats. Great news."

Everton's Phil Neville said: " Joey7Barton congratulations!!!"

And Barton's brother Drew tweeted: "Congratulations Joey7Barton GeorgiaMcNeil I'm made up for ya! Be down very soon to see my nephew CJ Barton uncle.