FLEETWOOD TOWN MANAGER Joey Barton was delighted with the contribution of Glenn Whelan in his debut for the League One club on Saturday.
Despite not playing a game since 21 December, Whelan came through all 90 minutes as Fleetwood played out a goalless draw away to Bristol Rovers which keeps them four points shy of a play-off spot.
After a short spell in the Scottish Premiership with Hearts, the veteran Republic of Ireland midfielder has joined Fleetwood for the remainder of the season.
“I thought he played well,” Barton told the club’s website of his newest recruit’s display. “He’s new to the group and the system we play and having only been in and around since Tuesday, he showed us why we have brought him into the group.
“For a debut for a new team and to come to a place like this, he showed that Premier League and international class. He added a calmness to our team and he was always at the hub of our play. With Glenn we have added some really quality into the side.”
As well as seeking to aid the club’s promotion challenge, Whelan hopes his spell at Fleetwood can keep him in contention at international level.
The Dubliner, who turned 36 this month, has taken his tally of caps to 91 under Mick McCarthy. Ireland’s bid to qualify for Euro 2020 resumes with a play-off away to Slovakia on 26 March.
Whelan is back in League One for the first time since 2005, when he helped Sheffield Wednesday to achieve promotion via the play-offs.
“If I’m not playing and not playing well, I’ve got no chance for internationals,” he told the Blackpool Gazette after Saturday’s game. “I hope to stay fit and healthy, and hopefully help Fleetwood to get a few results to stay in contention.
“I’ve been around a long time and have a lot of experience. I’ve also got out of this league, so I know what it takes. It’s a tough league and Fleetwood have done really well so far. A couple of wins back-to-back can give us a good push up the league.”
Fleetwood are back in action tomorrow night with a home game against fourth-placed Coventry City.
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Ffs if Roy does a shit the press are asking Martin what kind of toilet paper is he using
Word of the day is “wedge” media trying to drive it between Ireland management team and goverment trying to give us the short end of it regarding irish water costs!
The media is bloody ridiculous, it’s gotten out of hand. This is some TMZ level nonsense.
Whether it’s a media thing or not, O’ Neill must have a pain in his arse answering questions about Keane
Who care ffs !! Write about something else will ya
Dear Journal,
Eagerly awaiting ma Roy Keane Press blackout.
Regards,
Don Juan.
Get rid of Keane he’s bad news
Wonder what Villa make of all this…………..
He hadn’t read them cos he’s sick of him! Get rid of him Martin
There were no “controversial remarks” – just another pathetic attempt by the media to create a rift in the Irish managerial setup.
The definition of a controversy is a ‘prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion’.
Regardless of whether you agree with Keane or not, his comments have clearly caused heated discussion, hence they’re controversial.
Absolute nonsense, this is the perfect example of a manufactured “controversy” and a continuation of the media “frenzy” surrounding the non-story “assault” at the team hotel before the Scotland game. Keane can’t move without the media blowing everything out of proportion. They know his name sells papers and doubly so if there is even the slightest hint of him getting annoyed. And can you blame him for asking “Who the hell do you think you are?” with the likes of this clickbait gibberish?
At what stage in the future will the Keane brigade start shouting about O’Neill not having a clue and telling us it’s time Roy took over. His consent forays into the headlines are tiresome and should do everyone a favour and go back to ITV. His time is nearly up at Villa anyway but I’m sure Lambert will get the blame there.
I thought the British media were bad. Our own lot are no better……These so called stories are non stories. Wouldnt be surprised if O’Neill walked away altogether.
Roy shocks the docile sheep by having a opinion and a pair of balls,!!!
It’s a perfect blend. Keane can go out and say what o Neill wants to say but can’t incase he offends. Great tactics.
I’d prefer our management team to be more concerned about tactics on the pitch – that Scotland side are no better than us man for man, but looked a much better side
Missed what keane said about grealish/grealish’s dad?
g shh hhh GB kk