The Republic of Ireland international has been restricted to just three Premier League starts this season, his last coming in Stoke's 2-1 win at Newcastle in September. Whelan was disappointed he was not recalled when the team were going through their bad patch, a spell that ended with wins over Birmingham and Liverpool, and knows it will even be harder to win back his place now. "The last week we've had two great results and I know it's going to be tough," he told Sky Sports News. "I was hoping maybe because we went on a run of four or five without a result there could be changes, but the manager stuck with them. "I know there's going to be suspensions and injuries coming around so when I get a chance I have to try and take it." Whelan is currently away on international duty with Republic of Ireland and is expected to start Wednesday's friendly with Norway. The game will also see his Stoke team-mates Jonathan Walters and Marc Wilson make their international debuts and Whelan believes the pair will impress. "For Jonny being a centre forward and an attacking player it's important for him to try and get a goal if he gets some minutes," he continued. "I think people know what Marc is about. He's still only a young lad, but he's very good on the ball. He's very calm and collected as well and can pick out a pass. From what I've seen I know he'll be a top player."
