Aston Villa star Whelan is to captain Ireland against Northern Ireland.
Martin O’Neill has been quoted by BBC Sport as paying tribute to Aston Villa midfielder Glenn Whelan as the veteran ace is set to captain Ireland in what is likely to be his last international appearance.
Whelan, 34, is set to win his 85th cap on Thursday night as Ireland take on Northern Ireland in a friendly match, with the midfielder admitting that it could indeed be his last match – though he is not looking to retire.
The former Stoke City midfielder has struggled at club level, managing only 411 minutes of league football and remaining an unused substitute in 10 Championship fixtures.
O’Neill, who managed Aston Villa for four years between 2006 and 2010, was full of praise for the Villa midfielder but did state that Whelan is “getting on a bit”.
“He will captain the team, I think he has deserved that,” O’Neill said. “He is seemingly a quiet lad, he’s missed the last year with Ireland – he’s getting on a bit. But honestly, he’s really been excellent.
“We’ve has the occasional difference in opinion and I’ve obviously been right. But overall, I’ve got great respect for him.”
Whelan’s long-term future at Villa is also in doubt, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. The likes of John McGinn and Irish teammate Conor Hourihane are currently being preferred.
Villa are next in action after the international break, when they take on bitter Midlands rivals Birmingham City at Villa Park.
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