Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Ireland U19 squad named for Euro qualifiers

Ireland under-19 manager Paul Doolin today announced his squad for the upcoming UEFA U19 Championships qualifying tournament.

Ireland will travel to Luxembourg next month where they will meet the hosts, FYR Macedonia and Germany in Group Five.

 
Thursday October 11
Ireland v Luxembourg


Saturday October 13
FYR Macedonia v Ireland

Tuesday October 16
Ireland v Germany


The top two nations qualify for the Elite Qualifying Round with the finals tournament in Lithuania next summer.


    Name      Club
 

1. Ian Lawlor Manchester City FC 
2. Danny Rogers Aberdeen FC 
3. Brian Lenihan  Cork City FC
4. Thomas Hoban Watford FC 
5. Pierce Sweeney Reading FC
6. Ryan O'Reilly Stoke City FC
7. Shane Griffin Reading FC
8. Bradley Garmston West Bromwich Albion FC
9. Ryan Coombes St. Patrick's Athletic FC
10. Luke Gallagher Burnley FC
11. Kenneth McEvoy Tottenham Hotspur FC
12. Kieran Sadlier West Ham Utd FC
13. Michael Drennan Aston Villa FC
14. Conor Wilkinson Millwall FC
15. Jack Grealish Aston Villa FC
16. Noe Baba  Castlebar Celtic FC
17. Conor Pepper Inverness CT FC
18. Sam Byrne Manchester Utd FC

Hat-trick hero Byrne secures Ireland U17 victory













Ireland U17's secured an impressive 4-1 victory over hosts Macedonia in the second game of their UEFA Championships qualifying group in Skopje today.

Tom Mohan's side produced a disciplined and composed performance to move top of Group Ten on goal difference ahead of Sweden, who beat Romania 2-1 in the other game in the group.

Jack Byrne was the Irish hero with a hat-trick - including two first half penalties - with Dan Cleary netting a second half goal. Tauljant Sulejmanov was the Macedonian goal-scorer with a 44th minute penalty.

The opening penalty came in the 22nd minute when Eoghan Stokes was taken down by goalkeeper Nikola Aleksovski and Byrne stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way from the spot-kick.

Byrne then added a second from the spot after Lazar Stojkovski handled a Jake Mulraney cross in the 35th minute and once again Byrne converted with aplomb. The Irish missed a number of chances before handing the hosts a lifeline when they conceded a penalty four minutes into the second half. Sulejmanov firing home from the spot.

Mohan's side weathered a Macedonia storm with Real Madrid youngster Dorian Babunski the focus of the home side's attacks and Cleary calmed the Irish nerves when he headed home from a Mulraney corner in the 63rd minute.

Byrne's brilliant display was rounded up in the last minute when he volleyed home from the edge of the box. "It was an outstanding individual display by Jack but overall the performance from the whole team was very pleasing," said Mohan.

"The heat was testing but the boys stood up well to the challenge and we created a lot of chances with some very good play. We didn't take enough of those chances and let Macedonia back into it so I was pleased we finished strongly.

"The midfield was very good with Cody Mulhall doing well but overall I felt it was a good team performance. "We have Romania now on Thursday so we have to look to that. This game is done and dusted and has put us in a good position to qualify for the elite phase but the work isn't finished yet."

IRELAND: Peter Burke; Robin Dempsey, Dan Cleary, Noe Baba (C), Bobby Moseley, Craig Donnellan, Dean O'Halloran, Cody Mulhall, Jack Byrne, Eoghan Stokes (Cory Galvin 61), Jake Mulraney (Stephen Confrey 73).

Monday, September 10, 2012

Trapattoni names starting 11 for Oman


Giovanni Trapattoni has named his starting eleven for tomorrow night's friendly international against Oman at Craven Cottage.

Kevin Doyle will captain Ireland for only the second time in his career in what is an experimental side, with a number of fringe & new players being given the opportunity to impress the Irish boss.

Manchester United's Robbie Brady & Sunderland's David Meyler will both make their international debuts. However there is no place for Sunderland's James McClean in the starting team.



David Forde - Millwall

Seamus Coleman - Everton
Stephen Kelly - Fulham
Paul McShane - Hull City
Marc Wilson - Stoke City

David Meyler - Sunderland
James McCarthy - Wigan Athletic
Robbie Brady - Manchester United
Andy Keogh - Millwall

Kevin Doyle - Wolves
Shane Long - West Brom


Thursday, September 6, 2012

Trapattoni names Ireland 11 for Kazakhstan opener


Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has named his starting eleven for tomorrow's World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan

Trap has named a back four of John O'Shea, Darren O'Dea, Sean St Ledger and Stephen Ward will line up in front of Sunderland keeper Keiren Westwood.

Wigan's James McCarthy starts in a four-man midfield that also contains Aiden McGeady, Simon Cox, and Glenn Whelan, while Jon Walters gets the nod ahead of Kevin Doyle to partner Robbie Keane up front.

Ireland starting 11 v Kazakhstan - Westwood, O'Shea, St. Ledger, O'Dea, Ward, Whelan, McCarthy, McGeady, Cox, Walters, Keane

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Ireland U21 squad named for double Euro qualifiers


Ireland Under-21 team boss Noel King has named his squad for the forthcoming UEFA U21 Championship qualifying Group Seven fixtures with Hungary and Italy.

The Irish face Hungary in Kecskemét on Thursday September 6 then meet the Italians in Casarano four days later.

"We have two games to go in our group and the simply facts are that if we win the two of them we'll get at least second place and hopefully that will secure a playoff place," said King.


IRELAND U21 squad: Ian McLoughlin (MK Dons), Aaron McCarey (Wolves), John Egan (Sunderland), Greg Cunningham (Bristol City), Rob Kiernan (Wigan Athletic), Shane Duffy (Everton), Niall Canavan (Scunthorpe), Richie Towell (Unattached), Jeff Hendrick (Derby County), Adam Barton (Coventry City), Conor Henderson (Arsenal), Conor Clifford (Chelsea), Samir Carruthers (Aston Villa), Eunan O'Kane (Bournemouth), Sean Murray (Watford), Robbie Brady (Manchester United), Aidan White (Leeds United), Sean Scannell (Huddersfield Town), Rhys Murphy (SC Telstar), James Collins (Swindon Town).


Friday, August 24, 2012

Trapattoni names squad for opening World Cup qualifier


Giovanni Trapattoni has named his 23 man squad for the opening 2014 World Cup qualification match against Kazakhstan on September 7.

The squad will be without Damien Duff, who today made the announcement of his retirement from international football.

Commenting on Duff’s retirement, the Ireland boss said: "We will be without Damien Duff who has been a truly great player for his country.

"I thank Damien for his immense contribution and hope his professionalism and dedication will be an inspiration to the wingers who are now emerging in his place."



Keiren Westwood - Sunderland AFC
David Forde - Millwall FC
Darren Randolph - Motherwell FC

Marc Wilson - Stoke FC
John O’Shea - Sunderland AFC
Sean St. Ledger - Leicester City FC
Darren O’Dea - Toronto FC
Stephen Ward - Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
Stephen Kelly - Fulham FC
Paul McShane - Hull City FC

Glenn Whelan - Stoke City FC
Darron Gibson - Everton FC
James McCarthy - Wigan Athletic FC
Seamus Coleman - Everton FC
Joey O’Brien - West Ham United
Aiden McGeady - Spartak Moscow FC
Andy Keogh - Millwall FC
James McClean - Sunderland FC

Robbie Keane - LA Galaxy
Kevin Doyle - Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
Shane Long - West Bromwich Albion
Simon Cox - Nottingham Forest
Jon Walters- Stoke City FC


Thursday, August 2, 2012

Ireland U21 squad named for crucial Turkey qualifier


Ireland Under-21 manager Noel King today announced his squad for the crucial UEFA U21 Championships Group Seven qualifying round match against Turkey.

The Irish will host the Turks in Sligo on August 14th.

King has a number of players available to him that were unable to feature in the 2-2 draw with Italy in June while several of the squad moved to new clubs in the close season.

“I am pleased that the likes of Rob Kiernan, Adam Barton and Conor Henderson have made good progress on their respective injuries,” said King at today’s squad announcement.

“The Turkey game is massive for us. We have three very big games left in the group but we have to pick up where we left off against Italy in June.

“We will be looking for the Sligo public to come out and give us the same fabulous support we’ve had at the Showgrounds so far in the tournament and I’d love to see supporters coming from further afield to support the lads.”

The ten group winners and four runners-up with the best record against the teams first, third, fourth and fifth in their sections advance to the play-offs.


Ireland U21 Squad:



Ian McLoughlin MK Dons FC
Aaron McCarey Wolverhampton Wanderers FC

John Egan Sunderland FC
Greg Cunningham Bristol City FC
Gavin Gunning Dundee United FC
Rob Kiernan Wigan Athletic FC
Shane Duffy Everton FC
Niall Canavan Scunthorpe United FC

Jeff Hendrick Derby County FC
Adam Barton Preston North End FC
Conor Henderson Arsenal FC
Richie Towell Unattached
Conor Clifford Chelsea FC
Samir Carruthers Aston Villa FC
Eunan O'Kane Bournemouth FC

Robbie Brady Manchester United FC
Aidan White Leeds United FC
Aaron Doran Inverness CT FC
Sean Murray Watford FC
Sean Scannell Huddersfield Town FC
Rhys Murphy SC Telstar
James Collins Swindon Town FC

Friday, July 27, 2012

Richard Dunne considering Ireland international future


Ireland international defender Richard Dunne has consulted Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert for advice about whether to retire from international football to focus on his club career.


Asked if he'd considered retirement, Dunne, who is entering the final year of his Villa contract, replied: “Yes, it has a few times. It’s easy after a tournament, the way it’s gone, to make a rash decision and just say ‘that’s it’.“But I just have to think about things.

‘I was basically waiting to get back into training at Villa and then have a think and see how I feel, if I can go away again or not.

‘‘It’s a hard decision because it’s something I love doing.”

‘‘I’ve already spent four weeks thinking about it and I still can’t decide. When the time is right in my own head, I’ll know and then that will be the time.

“It’s such a massive decision because if we’ve qualified for one why can’t we qualify for the next one?

“If we were to qualify for Brazil it would be amazing.”

Dublin born Dunne made his debut for Ireland in April 2000 in a 1–0 loss against Greece in a friendly match and scored his first international goal just two months later against Mexico.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Trapattoni names 23 man squad for Serbia friendly


Giovanni Trapattoni has announced his squad for the upcoming friendly against Serbia.

Skipper Robbie Keane, keeper Shay Given, central defender Richard Dunne and midfielder Stephen Hunt have been left out of the squad for next month's friendly clash with Serbia in Belgrade.

Stoke's Marc Wilson, Everton's Seamus Coleman and Wigan midfielder James McCarthy all come into the squad.

Ireland squad: Keiren Westwood (Sunderland), David Forde (Millwall), Darren Randolph (Motherwell), Marc Wilson (Stoke), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Sean St Ledger (Leicester), Darren O'Dea (Unattached), Stephen Ward (Wolves), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Paul McShane (Hull), Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Darron Gibson (Everton), James McCarthy (Wigan), Paul Green (Leeds), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Andy Keogh (Millwall), James McClean (Sunderland), Keith Treacy (Burnley), Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Shane Long and Simon Cox (both West Brom), Jon Walters (Stoke).

Saturday, June 30, 2012

James McClean already focused on Irish World Cup qualifying campaign


Ireland international James McClean is already focused on Ireland's upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign and is hoping that Giovanni Trapattoni gives him the game time so he can show some of the excellent form witnessed at club level last season.

The Derry born winger saw only 14 minutes of competitive action for Ireland in the European Championships but is keen to claim a starting berth in the qualifiers which starts away to Kazakhstan in September.

Many were surprised that McClean played such a peripheral role during the Euro finals and it is hoped that after such a poor performance by the Irish team in Poland that Trapattoni will realise that changes are required if the team is to progress to the World Cup finals in Brazil in 2014.

The Ireland friendly away to Serbia in August will be an interesting guide to see if Trap is prepared to change his rigid selection policy and start young, talented prospects like James McClean and Wigan's James McCarthy.

“We have to do our best to qualify,” McClean said. “Germany are flying at the minute and Sweden are a tough side but there are other good teams there also and we know it’s not going to be easy.

“But we have to take confidence into it and believe that we can qualify. The World Cup is the biggest stage in the world and you can show what you can do. I want to be there with Ireland.

“It was great to get my competitive debut against Spain but on a personal level I was disappointed not to get more playing time,” he added. “I always thought I would get a run-out at some stage.

“I was disappointed when I didn’t get the start against Spain because, just like any player, you want to play as many minutes as possible.

“When the manager told me I was coming on during the Spain match it was obviously exciting, but it was no surprise that he didn’t make changes because he said that he was going to use the players that had got Ireland there.

“It was disappointing but understandable that he stuck with the players.

“Hopefully as we go on I can get more playing time and repay the confidence they’ve shown in me,” he concluded.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Gibson's Everton move crucial for Ireland future


Darron Gibson's move to Everton has helped to bolster his international credentials, according to Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni.

The 24-year-old Derryman impressed his experienced Italian manager as he shone during Ireland’s 1-0 Euro 2012 warm-up win over Bosnia last Saturday.

And Trapattoni believes the opportunity to play consistently at a top half Premiership club like Everton has transformed the midfielder’s prospects, after his career was in danger of going stale at Manchester United.

Gibson made 15 midfield appearances for David Moyes’ side after joining in January from Old Trafford, and is set to be rewarded with more playing time during next month’s European Championship finals in Poland.

“I think the change of club has been very important for him,” said Trapattoni (above) after former Toffees target Shane Long had sealed victory for 'The Boys In Green'.

“Darron Gibson has other qualities and I complimented him on his performance against Bosnia. That is the Gibson I wish to have.”

Trapattoni also told reporters after the game that he was impressed by Gibson’s vision, and growing maturity in the central midfield role, where he was increasingly effective for the Blues as they surged up the Premier League table in the second half of the season.

Gibson is poised to push Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews for a central midfield starting place, and his 90 mins against Bosnia is likely to increase that possibility.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Trapattoni names Ireland team for Bosnia clash


Giovanni Trapattoni has named his starting eleven for tomorrow's Euro 2012 warm up game against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Lansdowne Road Dublin.



The team includes a start for Derry winger James McClean, while as expected, Keiren Westwood steps in for the injured Shay Given.





Darron Gibson And Glenn Whelan make up the central midfield pairing while Kevin Doyle will parner Robbie Keane up front.


Keiren Westwood

Paul McShane
Richard Dunne
Sean St. Ledger
Stephen Ward

Damien Duff
Darron Gibson
Glenn Whelan
James McClean

Robbie Keane
Kevin Doyle


Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Ireland Euro 2012 - a musical extravaganza!

With only a couple of weeks to go until the 20,000+ Green Army leaves home shores for Euro 2012, it would seem that we have as many Ireland Euro 2012 songs as we have travelling fans.


Some are great, some are decent & some are...well...different!


So for your enjoyment i've linked below a selection of all the above mentioned.

What's good? What's not so good? and what needs a little more work? :)

Let us know what you think on our One Team In Ireland Twitter page & we'll post your favourites




The Rocky Road To Poland - Official Republic Of Ireland Song for Euro 2012

The Rockier Road To Poland - Shane MacGowan, The Aftermath & Friends

I-R-E-L-A-N-D! The Offside Trap - feat. MC Eoin Goal (Ireland Euro 2012)

Ireland Euro 2012 song - BOYS IN GREEN - Rory and the island (ft. Sharon Shannon)

Ireland Soccer Anthem Euro 2012 - Trapp and the Lads!

A Dark Horse - Take Me Home

All Is Possible (Just Can't Get Enough)

The Proud-Emerald Army (Party)-Official Fan Video

Euro 2012 Irish football song,"We're on the way" by Owen Branagan

Unofficial Irish Euro 2012 Song - The Genuine Articles

Ireland Euro 2012 song - My Fair Land

IRELAND Euro 2012 Song (Whiskey N Mc'Gra)

THE CELTIC ROAR Ireland Euro 2012 soccer anthem

Three Colours Euro 2012

ON WE GO (THE BOYS IN GREEN, TRAPS ARMY)

Ireland Anthem EURO 2012 - Ambitious Minds by The Positronics

Ireland Euro 2012 Football Song - Ireland All The Way

Cead Mille Grazie Trapatonni (Song for Euro 2012)

'Road to Euro 12' Song for the Republic of Ireland

24 Years (We're going to win the Euros) Ireland EURO 2012


Saturday, May 19, 2012

Stephen Hunt confident ahead of Euro campaign


Stephen Hunt has spoken of his excitement and the ‘buzz’ surrounding the build up to Ireland’s trip to the Euro 2012 finals in Poland next month.

Speaking to Ciarán Ă“ Raghallaigh on the Over The Line podcast Hunt spoke of his ‘unbelievable memories’ of watching Ireland during the 1990 World Cup in Italy and the 2002 world Cup in Japan, and his hope of emulating the player s of previous campaigns.

“It would be great to be part of the history, to score a winning goal or to have a major impact on the tournament and be remembered for that. My aim for the next four weeks is to try and get in the team and be ready”

And Hunt contends that he has every chance of playing his part in the campaign and does not believe that the winger positions are set in stone, with Aiden McGeady & Damien Duff being automatic first choice wingers.

“I know the manager gives me my fair share of the games and he believes in me, and I played the same ammount of games as Duffer in the last campaign”

The Waterford born winger also spoke of the inclusion of James McClean in the squad for Poland.

“Fair play to James he’s had a good season which means 1 – he’s available for Ireland, 2 - it’s competition, and 3 - it’s healthy competition for the squad”
“ It certainly motivates you to do better but also to help james, he’s a young lad and everyone in the squad will welcome him and help him along the way, because we all want to do well”

Hunt also gave an interesting insight into how group C might play out for Ireland, a result which would see Ireland progressing to the later stages of the competition.

“We need to go there, do well and make our own history. I’ve an idea how the group will pan out that has us qualifying. I don’t think it’s important to win the Croatia, a draw just keeps everything alive and builds momentum going into the Spain game and then with the Italian game, we’d be hoping that we’d have enough in the locker to beat them, if needs be”


Monday, May 14, 2012

Dunne can't wait for Euro's to begin


Richard Dunne has spoken of his excitement at making the trip to Poland for the Euro 2012 finals next month and going head to head against some of the world’s best teams.

Ireland kick-off their Euro 2012 campaign against Croatia on Sunday June 10th in Poznan.They will then meet Spain – the tournament favourites and reigning world and European champions - in Gdansk on June 14th before meeting Italy in Poznan on June 18th.

It’s brilliant, the excitement is the same for me and Shay & Robbie as it is for every child waiting to watch the games”

"It’s a hard group and we wanted to test ourselves against the best, and we’ve got certainly the best team in the world in our group and two other brilliant teams as well, so it’s exciting more than anything because you want to play against the best teams and have the chance to beat and upset them".

“We are going to have the opportunity this summer and for us, we know what we can do, we know we can upset teams and win games”

And Dunne never doubted that he would overcome a serious shoulder injury that at one point threatened his trip to the Euro finals in june.

He suffered a fracture to the right clavicle after falling heavily when challenging Manchester City keeper Joe Hart during a league game in February.

Speaking on Today FM Dunne Said “The shoulder is really good, I had the operation and done all the rehab and I’ve a metal plate in it so it’s stronger than before, so I’m raring to go now”

“The doctor told me straight away how long it would be and that I’d be back playing before the season ended, so I never really feared I’d miss out on the Euro’s, it was just a case of being patient”


Monday, May 7, 2012

Trapattoni names Ireland Euro 2012 squad



Giovanni Trapattoni has just announced his 23 man squad for the Euro finals in Poland next month.

James McCarthy & Seamus Coleman miss out on squad selection











Shay Given - Aston Villa

David Forde - Millwall

Keiren Westwood - Sunderland




Sean St Ledger - Leicester City

Stephen Kelly - Fulham

Richard Dunne - Aston Villa

Stephen Ward - Wolverhampton Wanderers

John O'Shea - Sunderland

Darren O'Dea - Leeds United

Kevin Foley - Wolverhampton Wanderers




Glenn Whelan - Stoke City

Keith Andrews - West Bromwich Albion

Keith Fahey - Birmingham City

Stephen Hunt - Wolverhampton Wanderers

James McClean - Sunderland

Darren Gibson - Everton

Aiden McGeady - Spartak Moscow

Damien Duff - Fulham






Shane Long - West Bromwich Albion

Robbie Keane - Los Angeles Galaxy

Kevin Doyle - Wolverhampton Wanderers

Simon Cox - West Bromwich Albion

Jon Walters - Stoke City





Standby list - Randolph,Green,Keogh

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Decision day for Trapattoni - Who will make the final 23?


Giovanni Trapattoni will name his 23 man squad for the Euro 2012 finals tomorrow afternoon.

And while there has been little speculation about his five forward options for the finals (Keane,Doyle,Long,Cox, Walters), the same cannot be said about his possible choices over the midfield eight.

The probable inclusion of Derry's James McClean has made the midfield eight even more competitive, and with so much quality to choose from in this category, some big names are going to be left behind to watch the finals on TV.

Duff, Whelan, Andrews and Mcgeady are certain to be on the plane to Poland next month, and Gibson and Hunt will likely make the final 23, but if McClean is included that leaves a number of established players fighting it out for the final midfield birth.

James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman and Keith Fahey will all be hopeful of gaining the final midfield spot, but two will miss out. And will Trap decide to shock the country by including Paul Green?

Defence is likely to made up of Dunne, O'Shea, Stledger, Ward, Kelly, O'Dea and Foley.

We'll find out at 3.30pm tomorrow.


Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Ireland continue World ranking climb


Ireland have continued their march up the FIFA rankings list. The home draw with the Czech Republic has resulted in Giovanni Trapattoni’s side moving up one spot to 18th place alongside Switzerland in the latest world rankings announced by FIFA.

It's Ireland's highest ranking since the summer of 2005 and shows the continued progress made by Giovanni Trapattoni during his four year reign as Irish boss.

Spain, Ireland’s Group C opponents at the Euro 2012 finals, remain top of the pile while Croatia (8th) and Italy (12th) are still ranked above Giovanni Trapattoni’s side, although the Italians have fallen outside of the top 10 losing three places in March.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

O'Neill praise for outstanding McClean


Ireland international James McClean capped off a great few days with a man of the match display as Sunderland defeated QPR at the Stadium Of Light.

fresh from signing a new Black Cats contract yesterday, the Derryman set up the first goal, added one of his own before playing a crucial role in the third to secure a 3-1 victory over QPR.

And today's impressive display did not go unnoticed by manager Martin O'Neill who showered praise on the Irish winger.

"I thought he was outstanding today, absolutely outstanding. And to be perfectly honest he's been outstanding since he came into the limelight," O'Neill told Sky Sports.

"I think (it was a) great performance by him today and he's earned every penny of it and he's been a great boost to the football club here in his time.

"He's got a great attitude to it. Not just a great attitude, he's got a great ability as well as he's shown this afternoon, I thought he was outstanding and I'm obviously delighted for him."

The 22-year-old penned an improved deal until the end of the 2014-15 season yesterday having signed from Derry City for just £350,000 last summer.

McClean's continued progress has also given Irish boss Giovanni Trapattoni more food for thought ahead of his squad selection for Euro 2012.


Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Whelan proud of Stoke international appearance record


Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan has spoken of his pride at becoming Stoke City's most-capped international player.

Dublin born Whelan won his 37th cap against the Czech Republic on 29 February and that surpassed the 36 appearances made by England goalkeeper Gordon Banks during his five-year spell with the Potters.

"To beat Gordon Banks, who's not just a Stoke legend but also an England legend, it will be great to look back on," Whelan told BBC Radio Stoke.

Banks won a total of 73 caps for England, with the other 37 coming before his move from Leicester City to Stoke in 1967.

28 year old Whelan made his international debut for Ireland in June 2008, five months after joining the Potters from Sheffield Wednesday. The Irish central midfielder started his career with Manchester City after joining from Irish feeder club Cherry Orchard in 2001.

Whelan has been a mainstay in Giovanni Trapattoni's central midfield and is a likely starter for 'The Boys In Green' when they travel to Euro 2012 in June.

Three days after playing in a 1-1 draw for the Irish against the Czechs, Whelan helped Stoke to a 1-0 win against Norwich , their second consecutive Premier League victory and a result that lifted Tony Pulis's side back into the top half of the Premiership table.

"Coming off four straight defeats, we knew it was going to be really tough but they were two games that we knew we could win," said Whelan.

"It's given us massive confidence going into the next game [at Chelsea on Saturday].
"Clean sheets are important, every team needs them, and we've got two of them in the last two games so we need to keep that up."

"We go into every game hoping to get a win and Chelsea is no different. We know it will be tough with the players that they've got but they're not unbeatable. We can go there with confidence, like what we've shown in the last two games."