Whelan flattered by Trapattoni compliment

GLENN WHELAN will not allow himself to be carried away by comparisons with Italy enforcer Gennaro Gattuso. The Stoke midfielder has been credited with similar instincts to the hugely experienced AC Milan player by no less a figure than Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni.

Whelan, 24, is flattered by the comparison, having only forced his way into the senior international picture this summer.

However, he knows only maintaining the high standards he has set in winning his first three caps under Trapattoni will keep him in the team as he prepares for the opening World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Montenegro.

Whelan said: "To be compared with a player like that is great confidence-wise, especially coming from the manager.

"Saying that, if I play badly in the next game, that could all go out the window.

"Hopefully, that's what I have done. I'm here on merit, but I know that if I'm not doing the business, there are other players out there who will come in and take my spot."

Whelan is likely to start against Georgia in Mainz on Saturday – the game is being played in Germany because of the troubles in the Eastern European country – and will hope a positive result and a good personal display will see him keep his place when Ireland play Montenegro in Podgorica four days later.