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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I’m sorry but if he’s playing league one we surely can’t consider him for Ireland duty ?? Give one of the younger lads game time
@BMJF: James McCarthy he’s playing super football back in the epl, Glen has been great servant.
@Paully kelly: McCarthy probably deserves a start on form but Whelan also has defied his club status with recent international performances. He’s been better than Hendrick in every game this campaign
@Jason Oliver: I agree, Hendrick shouldn’t be in the team, hasn’t done much in the last couple of years, Whelan and McCarthy much better
@BMJF: molumby will take his place in time. For now he is still our best option, never let us down and plays with pride. McCarthy?? Has performed in PL but never translated this to international duty, has to be Super Glenn in the playoff
@BMJF: that’s right,in our biggest game in this campaign, give one of the young lads a chance
@Dan2078:
Failed at Hearts and no championship club thought he was any better than what they already have in the summer or January.
Best option he had was a mediocre L1 team managed by a sociopath.
… walks into the ireland team
@Michael Anthony Murray: You must be really mollycoddled by the modern game if you think Barton is a sociopath
@Dan2078: agree Dan, every game I’ve seen McCarthy he’s unwillingness to actually get on the ball is odd. He never moves into position to receive a pass like a CM should he almost ‘chooses to hide’. Whereas Whelan will always take the ball either with his back to goal of moving forward.
On paper it should be McCarthy all the way, but imo on the pitch the evidence is it’s Whelan who is far more effective and contributes more.
@Jason Oliver: I agree with that
Will probably start v Slovakia.Had a great campaign but James McCarthy has shown in the last few weeks what a superior option he is as has Molumby although he’s more box to box.
But does James want to play for us again.
Molumby is ahead of him just by performances lately,Mick will pick him and we won’t qualify
I was never a great fan of Whelan however his performances in this campaign have been excellent.
Well done Glenn.
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@Anna69: