New dad Joe Chalmers admits he is running on adrenaline but ready to help the Ross County cause this weekend.
Chalmers’ partner Brogan gave birth to their son Nolan on the morning of the recent 0-0 draw against Hearts, causing the midfielder to miss the Tynecastle encounter.
Having spent the last fortnight acclimatising to fatherhood, Chalmers says he is still brimming with euphoria ahead of this weekend’s Premiership visit of Livingston.
The 25-year-old said: “I’m still on cloud nine, enjoying the first week and running on adrenaline.
“It will eventually kick in, but he’s doing well and Brogan is recovering really well.
“It has probably been the best week of my life.
“He was born on the morning of the Hearts game. We went in on the Thursday night and she was getting induced.
“I was hoping to make the trip to Tynecastle, but as the hours ticked by I knew it wouldn’t be possible.
“I was disappointed, but obviously the family had to come first – and the support the managers gave me was brilliant.
“All they were interested in was making sure everyone was healthy and they never put any pressure on me.
“They left it in my own hands and I was grateful for how they went about it.
“As soon as the game finished, they phoned me just to say congratulations and make sure everything was fine.”
Chalmers was back in County’s side for Saturday’s Betfred Cup tie against Partick Thistle, but was unable to prevent the Staggies suffering a 3-2 extra-time loss to the Championship side.
Having netted a stunning goal in his only league outing since his summer move from rivals Caley Thistle, in the opening day 3-0 win over Hamilton Accies, Chalmers is intent on bouncing back against Livi.
He said: “It has been a good start to the season, apart from Saturday at Partick.
“That was obviously disappointing, but the Hamilton game was a brilliant start and a day I really enjoyed.
“We also gave a good account of ourselves at Hearts and hopefully we can get back to that on Saturday.
“We have to replicate the Hamilton performance against Livingston and play every bit as well as we did that day.”
Livi made an impressive start following their promotion to the top flight last season, and Chalmers feels the Dingwall side can take inspiration from Gary Holt’s men.
Chalmers added: “We want early points on the board, wins at home and build from there.
“Livingston did that last season with a great start. Any team through the course of the season, especially teams coming up from a league below, there is going to be a spell where things don’t go well.
“Whether that’s down to decisions going against you or the team losing form, it probably will happen so getting early points on the board helps avoid any panic.
“It would make it easier to remain patient, knowing you have that in the bank.”