Glenn Whelan knows he has a massive fight on his hands to regain his starting place in Stoke's team.
Potters midfielder happy waiting for his chance
Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan knows he has a massive fight on his hands to regain his starting place in Tony Pulis' team.
The Republic of Ireland international has been restricted to just three Premier League starts this season, his last coming in Stoke's 2-1 win at Newcastle in September.
Whelan was disappointed he was not recalled when the team were going through their bad patch, a spell that ended emphatically last week with wins over Birmingham and Liverpool.
The 26-year-old knows it will be even harder to win his place back in Pulis' starting XI now that they have returned to winning ways, although he is happy playing the waiting game.
"The last week we've had two great results and I know it's going to be tough when I go back," he told
Sky Sports News.
"I was hoping maybe because we went on a run of four or five without a result there could be changes, but the manager stuck with them.
"I know there's going to be suspensions and injuries coming around so when I get a chance I have to try and take it."
Ireland debuts
Whelan is currently away on international duty with Republic of Ireland and he is expected to start Wednesday's friendly with Norway.
The game will also see Jonathan Walters and Marc Wilson make their international debuts and Whelan believes the pair will impress.
"For Jonny being a centre-forward and an attacking player it's important for him to try and get a goal if he gets some minutes," he continued.
"I think people know what Marc is about. He's still only a young lad, but he's very good on the ball. He's very calm and collected as well and can pick out a pass. From what I've seen I know he'll be a top player."
