Andy Murray's father announced his joy at the news his son is set to become a father for the first time - and he will be a first time granddad.

Willie Murray, 60, said his youngest son Andy, 28, and his wife Kim, 27, phoned him at his home in Dunblane.

The former Wimbledon and US Open champion had admitted two years ago that he and Kim had considered starting a family together soon.

The news comes just four months after they in front of family and friends at 12th century Dunblane Cathedral.

Family were told last week, after Kim had her 12 week scan.

He said: "It's terrific news. Once Andy and Kim knew that the scan had gone ok and the baby was alright, then they were happy to let close family and some friends know.

"Now they have been given the all clear and everything is ok with baby, everyone is thrilled for them.

"Andy and Kim will both make great parents, and I can't wait to be a grandfather - babysitting and all.

"I don't mind if it's a boy or a girl - all we are hoping for is a healthy baby, and I know that's what Andy and Kim will be praying for as well."

Willie added: "After the wedding in Dunblane, when it was incredible to see the number of people who turned out to wish Andy and Kim well, I know the locals will be over the moon at this latest news.

"I'm sure Andy and Kim will get lots of support."

News of the baby had barely been announced before bookies were taking bets on his or her future.

Paddy Power were certain the certain the new baby will be born English, offering 1/20 for child to arrive south of the border with longer odds of 7/1 for the birth to be in Scotland.  

Within hours William Hill were offering 500-1 odds for their child to be a Wimbledon champion like his father.

Betway offered odds of 66-1 that the couple could name a girl after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon because of Andy’s previous support for independence.

Other names being touted include Judy (33-1) after Andy’s mother and Jamie (16-1) after his older brother.

The pair described their wedding and reception at Murray’s own five star luxury hotel Cromlix House as "the best weekend of our lives".

The announcement comes just weeks after fellow former Wimbledon champion Andre Agassi urged Murray to start a family to "put stuff into perspective" and improve his performances.

Writing in his autobiography, Andy has previously joked that having his two dogs sometimes felt like having to look after children.

“It is not the same as having kids - or at least I don’t think it is - but that’s sometimes what it feels like,” he said.

The news comes just days before Murray's coach Amelie Mauresmo is expected to give birth to her baby.

She announced she was pregnant two days before the British tennis star's wedding to Kim Sears.

Sussex-born Kim, who is the daughter of former Lawn Tennis Association head of women's tennis Nigel Sears, met Murray at the US Open in 2005.

She was once described by mother-in-law Judy Murray as "the best thing to happen to Andy".