ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:GLENN WHELAN hopes his exploits with the Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic of Ireland can catapult him back into Stoke's starting XI at Tottenham today. The midfielder has had to make do with substitute appearances in the last two games for his club, despite starring for his country in their World Cup qualifiers.
But Whelan accepts competition for places in Stoke’s engine room is hot after Dean Whitehead’s arrival from Sunderland and a return to fitness for Salif Diao. He said: “There are not too many players who will start every game for Stoke this season. The manager has done really well to bring some top players to the club and it’s tough for all of us to hold down a place.
“It’s disappointing for myself and a good few others not to start every week, but I just keep working hard to make sure I’m ready and raring to go when my chance comes back around.”
That could well be today as Whelan, who scored a cracker against Italy to help Ireland into a World Cup play-off against France, has been back in Stoke for more than a week. A knock sustained on international duty did not help his bid to start last Saturday’s win over West Ham, but a bright cameo as a substitute has put him in the frame.
Stoke were 3-0 down after 25 minutes at White Hart Lane last season and Whelan said: “We will be trying to do a lot better against them this time. Our away form became an issue last season, but we’ve done a lot better this season. When Stoke are in town, our opponents now know they are in for a tough game.
“We have tightened up on our travels and, with a little bit of luck, we could have won at Bolton and Everton in our last two away games. Our squad is stronger and consequently our team is stronger. Spurs are looking to break into the top four and they are a very good side, but we see everybody as beatable.”
Whelan is set to do battle against his Ireland team-mate Robbie Keane before the pair join forces for next month’s play-off. He added: “Robbie is someone the lads in Ireland all want to be. He always scores goals and I just hope we can stop him from doing that on Saturday. I think Ireland have got a good chance of beating France and getting to the finals, but the experience I’m getting at international level is brilliant whatever happens. Playing for the Republic is giving me more confidence to take into the Premiership and is undoubtedly a big plus for my development.”
Stoke’s other Ireland international, Liam Lawrence, is a doubt for today after being laid low by a virus. “The players all had their flu jabs this week and Liam could have had a reaction to that,” explained manager Tony Pulis.
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