James McAtee’s parents missed his first Manchester City goal because both were at Northampton Town amid a constant battle to juggle family commitments.
Older brother John, 25, opened the scoring for Bolton Wanderers during their 4-2 victory at Sixfields, with mum Gill and dad John Snr down in Northamptonshire to watch.
The parents have devised a rota system to attend their children’s matches together and had to make do with TV footage from their proud night in Slovakia.
James, 21, appeared aware that John had netted his third of the season for League One Bolton after returning to City’s dressing room. ‘It’s a long way to come for my family,’ he said. ‘I think they went to go and watch my brother. I can’t explain the night but I’m over the moon. I’ve dreamt of this.’
James McAtee's parents missed his first goal for Manchester City against Slovan Bratislava
Pep Guardiola was just as buoyant after James’ landmark evening and suggested the attacking midfielder needs to believe in his ability more. The England Under-21 international spent two years on loan at Sheffield United but said last summer that he now wants to test himself at City.
‘I definitely think I’m sharper,’ he added. ‘When I’m going out there now it’s not as chaotic. For example, Watford I hadn’t played for a while and it was a bit chaotic at the start. But with Slovan I felt a lot calmer and more composed.
‘It’s one of the hardest things to do, to not play and come straight onto a pitch. But I have to keep on doing what I’m doing, keep my head down and keep up with the lads as much as I can.’
Guardiola said: ‘Sometimes it looks like we're more confident in him than himself. We are so happy for him. The goal will be a good boost to say, “OK, I am part of this”.’