Whelan and dealin’
 By Graham
Clifford
If Glenn Whelan had a penny for every time someone told him he was about
to be the next superstar of football then he’d be a very wealthy
young man.
The Dubliner has been a long-term squad member of Don Given’s Republic
of Ireland under-21 set up but is yet to burst into the senior panel.
Last week the 21-year-old midfielder got on the scoreboard as Sheffield
Wednesday recorded a crucial 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion in
the Championship. The goal and the win sparked a wave of questions from
the supporters and media in Sheffield as Whelan is still transfer-listed
by new manager Brian Laws.
Despite playing a hugely significant role in Wednesday’s promotion
in the 2004-2005 season Whelan had fallen out of favour with previous
manager Paul Sturrock and it seemed his days at Hillsborough were numbered.
However Laws who replaced Sturrock in early November believes Whelan’s
best is yet to come and says he has no intention of selling the former
Manchester City midfielder.
Laws said: “As far as I’m concerned the talk of Glenn and
transfers is in the past. He’s very much part of my squad and I’ve
told him that. He’s a very good player, very aware of who’s
around him and a good passer of the ball. I like to see midfield players
getting into the box and he does that.”
Glenn Whelan signed for Manchester City in 2001 from Dublin side Maryland
Boys. A creative, instinctive and skillful midfield playmaker —
his potential was undoubted.
However he struggled to make an impact at the club. His one solitary appearance
for the blues came in a UEFA Cup tie against Total Network Solutions (TNS)
before he was loaned out to Bury in 2003-2004.
Whelan was a member of the Republic of Ireland under-20 side which reached
the knock-out stages of the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championships in the
United Arab Emirates.
Back on the club front Glen was unable to break into the Manchester City
senior squad and so he signed for Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer
in July 2004 and before long was earning rave reviews playing in a more
free and roving role.
Whelan under manager Paul Sturrock became a regular winning over the Owls
supporters. His return to form was noticed at home too and in 2005 he
was named U-21 player of the year in Ireland.
In his first season at Hillsborough Sheffield Wednesday won promotion
to the Championship defeating Hartlepool in the play-off final at the
Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Whelan was voted man-of-the-match in the
decider after scoring the winning goal for the Owls. Life was looking
good for Glenn Whelan and he was even trialled as captain of the side.
Though recent months have seen a dip in form he’s still a favourite
of Irish U-21 manager Don Givens. And Whelan’s amazing skill and
potential has seen current Sunderland manager Roy Keane sing his praises.
Now with Whelan winning over his new manager Sheffield Wednesday supporters
will be hoping to see a galvanised Glenn back to his best in the middle
of the park.
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