Whelan, Given Road To South Africa

On October 14 2009 the world will know the participants for the South Africa FIFA 2010 World Cup. Competition begins to build as Irish players both young and old pave the road to the dream tournament. It's time for the best fans in the world to get on board the Road to Africa, it's time too for the players.

Stoke City's Glen Whelan took an important step towards his chances of remaining in the Republic of Ireland's team in their campaign for the 2010 World Cup.

Whelan got the call in the 21st minute against Newcastle United when City's Salif Diao was taken out. Whelan's challenge doubled when United's Michael Owen made it 2-0 just 3 minutes later. The Irish midfielder and Stoke had it all do. The half time whistle couldn''t come quick enough.

At half time it was all smiles for Newcastle and Ireland's keeper Shay Given as his side looked set to get back to winnings ways. However Stoke returned to score on the hour then equalized in the 90th minute.

Whelan played his role in the comeback while Given no doubt furious at his team for throwing the game away. But Given is a real team player at Newcastle as he is for the green and white shirt.

The Lifford leader got a chance to see Whelan in action from an opposing standpoint. These are the kind of observations that players need to have when preparing for a World Cup. At club level seeing each other and playing with or against each other are the kinds of experiences that helps a national team gel.

Whelan, like every other Irish player and fan alike, knows what Shay Given is all about. For the past several years the Irish keeper has been saving the day for Ireland.

His past outstanding performances held on to whatever respect was left for Ireland as a football team.

Onward Given goes through thick and thin for his country with never a mention of retirement, unlike some of his compatriots.

Ireland's number 1 must have on his mind another World Cup to add to his 2002 finals in Japan and Korea. What a way for the 32-year old player to end his international career at the African World Cup.

For Newcastle Given has played 16 games out of 18 so far this season making 52 saves with 4 clean sheets. For Ireland he has played in all 3 qualifying games recording 7 saves.

His unwavering commitment to the Republic paves the way for newcomers such as Whelan. Given is now the reliable veteran in the Irish team, he's a leader that the young players can look up to.

It has only been a handful of games for Whelan at Stoke this season but at the weekend he showed he could do a job. Fingers are crossed that the 24-year old midfielder gets more minutes at City.

He's taking very small steps at a time. Four starts and 2 goals in the Carling Cup indicate he has promise at Stoke. For Ireland Whelan is 3 games for 3 with a goal to boot making him one of 3 leading scorers.

While he works to make an impression at club level it is the World Cup stage where Whelan has a better opportunity to get recognized.

Ireland and the World Cup has been the vehicle for many a player's path to a better professional career. Thus far the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers have been for Glen Whelan the road to success.