Whelan made 14 appearances for Stoke (Getty)

Midfielder Glenn Whelan says any new signings made by Stoke City must understand the importance of the team spirit at the club.

The 24-year-old Irishman told BBC Radio Stoke: "When I arrived the first thing the manager told me was about the spirit in the dressing room.

"It's good to bring in quality players but if they're not good around the lads then they won't be good for the team."

Whelan joined Stoke from Sheffield Wednesday in January.

City are expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer as they prepare for their first season in the top-flight since 1985 and Whelan welcomes the possibility of having to compete for his place in the starting 11.

Obviously pre-season is a tough time of the year but it might not be as hard this year because we've got teams like Manchester United and Liverpool to look forward to Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan

The former Manchester City trainee will have had slightly less time off over the summer than his team-mates, as he has been away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.

He made his debut for Ireland in the draw with Serbia and also featured in the victory over Colombia, but he is already looking forward to pre-season training.

"I think all the players are going to be excited about playing again.

"Obviously pre-season is a tough time of the year but it might not be as hard this year because we've got teams like Manchester United and Liverpool to look forward to. I'm really looking forward to it."