Soccer:Republic of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan has agreed a new three-and-a-half-year contract with Premier League side Stoke, the club have confirmed.
Whelan, who joined from Sheffield Wednesday in 2008 for €630,000, has become an important player in central midfield having initially struggled to hold down a regular place when the Potters were promoted to the Premier League.
Whelan, 28 on Friday, also has the option for a further year after his new deal expires.
The Dubliner has had a significant 12 months as he was part of the side which reached the FA Cup final, losing to Manchester City, and also helping the international side qualify for Euro 2012.
“I am loving life at the moment and things are going really well, so I am absolutely delighted to commit my long-term future to the club,” said Whelan.
“We have enjoyed a remarkable past few years with everything that we have achieved and I believe that even more success can be achieved in the future.
“I am very excited about what the next few years could have in store, and I am proud to be a part of it as we look to continue the club’s excellent progress.
“All of the hard work I have done over the past 12 months has paid off. To play at Wembley twice, reach the FA Cup final, play in Europe and be doing well at international level has certainly made it a memorable time for me.”
Manager Tony Pulis said the midfielder had proven to be an invaluable member of the squad.
“Glenn has played a big part in our achievements since he came to the club and it is important to look after players who have been the bedrock of that success,” he said.
“He has had a fantastic time these past 12 months, and he’s shown that he’s a player who thrives on being challenged to step up to the next level. That’s probably the Celtic blood in him and a steely determination to prove people wrong, which has included even myself on occasions.”
Meanwhile, Whelan’s team-mate Marc Wilson has not given up hope of making the Republic of Ireland squad for this summer’s Euro 2012 finals.
Wilson is yet to make a competitive debut for Giovanni Trapattoni’s side despite being selected for several squads.
However, the Co Antrim-born 24-year-old, whose cause may not have been helped by a series of withdrawals at a time when the Italian was less than happy with the failure of several players to report for duty, insists he has no regrets about declaring his allegiance to Ireland.
“I have always seen myself as a Republic of Ireland player,” Wilson told Stoke’s official website. “I supported them when I was growing up and if I have to continue to bide my time and wait for my chance to come along, I am happy to do that.
“The players and the gaffer have done a great job there, so I can’t complain about it really. I would love to play for them, though, one day and I have made that clear before a number of times. Hopefully, my time will come in the future.
“I would love to try to be part of the squad for the European finals, but if that doesn’t happen, then I will keep working hard here at Stoke and try to earn a spot in the Ireland team.”
New Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill is aware of Wilson’s eligibility, but the player insists there is no turning back.
He said: “There is no way I would switch to Northern Ireland, though, now. I made the decision a few years ago without having my head turned by anybody, and I am sticking by that. It is something I am comfortable with.”
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