Source: SKY_Sports
Whelan's sights on a start
Glenn Whelan hopes he has given Tony Pulis food for thought after scoring a last-minute equaliser for Stoke City at Aston Villa.[LNB] Republic of Ireland international Whelan has struggled to cement a place in the starting line-up this season, but came off the bench to great effect to earn a 2-2 draw at Villa Park on Sunday.[LNB]Whelan is eager to be playing on a regular basis and is keen for his impact as a substitute against Villa to be rewarded with a starting spot against Bolton on Wednesday.[LNB]"Anyone on the bench would rather be on the pitch," Whelan told The Sentinel. "I don't think it's easy watching a game, but if you get a chance, you try to get on and do something.[LNB]"Whether it is to maybe change the game, or change the manager's mind for next time.[LNB]"I think we have a great squad and a lot of lads who would rather be playing than sitting on the bench, but you have to take your chance when it comes."[LNB]Shawcross sorryMeanwhile, Ryan Shawcross hopes his goal against Villa will help to make amends for his recent own goal in the 2-2 draw at home to Portsmouth.[LNB]Shawcross, whose 87th minute header gave Stoke hope, said: "Scoring this one is a big boost after the late own goal against Portsmouth. This goal says 'sorry' to the fans.[LNB]"It does make up for that equaliser a bit, although I'd got it out of my head before this match.[LNB]"As a defender I'm probably going to score another five or six own goals in my career - it's a hazard of the job."[LNB]
