Whelan will fight for place

Whelan was signed from Sheffield Wednesday during the January transfer window and went on to play an important role in Stoke's successful promotion campaign.

This led to a call up to the international frame where he has made a positive impact. However, since starting Stoke's first Premier League fixture at Bolton, Whelan has had to be content with a aplce on the bench and starts in League Cup fixtures.

Tony Pulis has insisted that Whelan is still part of his plans and the midfielder has stated that being on the bench is frustrating, but when his chance comes he intends to grab it.