Stoke’s international trio

Three Potters players were selected to play for their country this week, but in the end it was only Adam Rooney who managed to get a game.

Rooney came on as a second half substitute against England as he played for the Republic of Ireland U21 team in a qualifier for the 2009 European U21 Championships at Southampton. Even though England won 3-0, Rooney put on a good display and even had the ball in the back of the net, but the goal was ruled off-side.

Rooney’s team-mate at Stoke, Ryan Shawcross was celebrating his first call-up to the opposing England U21 squad. Although he failed to be named on the subs’ bench, there is no doubt that his time will come.

Stoke’s new signing, Glenn Whelan was also celebrating his first selection for the Irish senior squad just days after playing in his debut for the Potters. Whelan had played for the Irish ‘B’ team before and was a non-playing substitute in Ireland’s friendly against Brazil in Dublin tonight.