Barnsley’s star winger said: “I am definitely going to play. I want to play each and every game. Obviously I want to be there for the birth of my son but I am convinced it won’t happen until Thursday. I’m sure he and she can wait a few more hours.”

While he is expecting a new arrival, Hammill is hoping that there are no departures from the Reds’ team and has offered advice to centre-back Alfie Mawson, who has been linked with a move away.

Hammill, who ended his first spell at Barnsley by moving to Wolves in 2011, said: “It can be difficult and people’s heads do get turned, that’s natural. I know Alfie, he’s focused and he’s an outstanding player.

“The only advice I would give him is that, in the past, I might have rushed into a move. His ability will get him there and I think he will go all the way. He’s still relatively young, he’s got a lot of learning to do and there’s no better place to learn his trade than at Barnsley. Eventually it’s going to be his choice but we want him to stick around.” 

Barnsley have rejected several bids from Bristol City for Mawson.Head coach Paul Heckingbottom added: “If our club has a valuation for Alfie, it’s up to him to play well enough that another club meets that valuation.” 

Hammill played in the 4-2 loss at Ipswich on Saturday, his first game back in the Championship after starring for the Reds in League One last season. He said: “It’s like I’ve never been away. I have a lot to prove at this level. I have let myself down in the past with what I have done in the Championship.

"I am convinced I will prove myself. I am always better when my back is against the wall and have a point to prove but also the support I get at Barnsley from the staff, the players and the fans gives me extra confidence to perform.  I have got to give something back to them. 

"As soon as I get a goal, I will go on a run and I think Bradders (Tom Bradshaw) will be the same. It’s just getting that first goal and the first points on the board. The longer the wait the more nervous people become. 

“There was a bit of naivety at Ipswich. It was a ‘welcome to the league.’ “It’s difficult to take but it’s a lesson that we will learn. I am telling the lads not to panic. Let’s set ourselves small targets like getting some points in the next two homes games.

"Once you get points it becomes easier. As soon as we get back on the victory train the momentum will carry forward. We got into a winning habit last season and that won’t have gone away.

“It’s vital that we outrun and outwork every single opponent. We want teams walking away thinking ‘what a tough game that was’. But there’s no point in that if we’re not getting good results. These players have earned the right to play in this league now they have got to prove they are good enough to stay here.”