Whelan targets starting role

23 October 2009 12:34
Glenn Whelan hopes his exploits with the Republic of Ireland can catapult him back into Stoke's starting XI at Tottenham. 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."

Source: Eurosport