Whelan lands Potters deal

Glenn Whelan has committed his long-term future to Stoke City by signing a new four-year contract at the Britannia Stadium. The Republic of Ireland international moved to Stoke from Sheffield Wednesday for £500,000 in January 2008. He has since established himself as a key member of Tony Pulis' side and has now been rewarded with a new deal. "I'm obviously delighted to have secured my future here with the club," said the 25-year-old. "I've worked hard since I arrived here and it's great to have been rewarded with a new deal. "It has taken a week or two to iron out, but I never had to think about it really. I want to play at the highest level and achieve as much as I can, and I feel I can fulfil my ambitions here at Stoke." Now established Whelan played an important part in the Potters' promotion-winning campaign of 2007/08 but initially struggled to make the breakthrough at Premier League level. However, he re-established his first-team place in the latter half of last season and hopes to be able to progress now the finalities of his new contract have been signed. "I was obviously disappointed for myself (at the start of last season) because I wanted to show I could play at this level," he added. "But I kept my head up and worked as hard as I could and fortunately I got my chance and have taken it. "I turned things around at the turn of the year but I don't want to get too far ahead of myself because I know I still have a lot to learn. "Hopefully I can continue improving here under the gaffer (Pulis) and retain my spot in the starting XI. "I learned a lot last season and feel better with every game that goes by."

Source: SKY_Sports