In perhaps a surprise move, Mick McCarthy has re-called Glenn Whelan into the provisional Republic of Ireland squad.
Whelan has had a decidedly mixed time at Villa Park, even within the confines of this season.
The 35 year old was the man who kick the final ball of the Steve Bruce era, infamously having his penalty saved at the death against Preston North End.
However, Whelan has quietly gone about his business in a Villa side struggling for form.
Indeed, he put in an impressive performance in Villa’s 4-0 drubbing of Derby at Villa Park.
Despite some undeserved criticism from certain quarters, the midfielder has been a calm and experienced head. He’s certainly in the Villa side presently on the merit of a string of consistent performances.
Whilst the call-up is a nod to this, it will remain to be seen whether Whelan is retained once McCarthy trims this down from the thirty eight players already announced.
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