Bristol Rovers first-team coach Glenn Whelan’s career in the dugout has now reached the international stage with the 38-year-old part of the Republic of Ireland Under-16s set-up in the Victory Shield.
Whelan was on the sidelines on Monday as the young Irish side beat Wales via a penalty shootout in Waterford and they have their second game of the competition tonight against Northern Ireland before the final fixture against Scotland on Friday afternoon.
It marks another significant step for Whelan in his coaching journey having been brought back to Rovers this summer by Joey Barton to fulfil a player/coach role. The former Stoke City midfielder did make some appearances earlier in the season but has since been focusing on his work as part of Barton’s backroom staff.
The Ireland U16s game against Scotland on Friday kicks off at 2pm but Bristol Live understands that Whelan is expected to return to Bristol in time for Rovers’ FA Cup first round tie against Rochdale on Saturday afternoon.
Whelan, who represented the U16s back in 2000, made 91 appearances for his country at senior level over 11 years and, speaking earlier in the summer, Barton said he thinks he has all the attributes to one day manage at the highest level. He secured his UEFA A-license five years ago when he was still in the midst of his playing career with Aston Villa.
“I think he’s got all the attributes to be a fantastic coach,” Barton told Bristol Live in the summer. “Being an Irishman, could you see him one day managing and coaching Ireland? Yeah, of course I could, with his experience of his playing career and his international career.
We go back to the youth team days at Man City and I like young, hungry staff. I believe massively that good coaches make good players and I think Whelo will be an outstanding coach.
“Not only because of the standing he’s got in the building from when he played, but last year he was mega close to the young players because we had those two dressing rooms (due to COVID regulations) and Whelo was in the other dressing room.
“Glenn’s influence both on and off the pitch last year was huge. His infectious nature means that when the opportunity arose to bring him back as a coach, it was a no-brainer. The experience and knowledge he can pass on to the lads will be a key factor for us moving forward."
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