Owen joins the Partridge family

The 23-year-old Irish winger, who is currently on the sidelines with a frustrating knee ligament injury, had more luck with his off-field pursuits when Lesley Owen accepted his proposal.

A source close to the Owen family said: "Richie is a wonderful lad and everyone gets on with him really well.

"He is the kind of lad that any mother or father would be proud to call their son.

"It is fantastic news and everyone in the family is delighted."