Whelan will wait for Stoke chance

Whelan's 19th minute free-kick gave Stoke the lead against Rotherham

Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan has said he is happy to wait for his chance in the Potters' first XI.

The 24-year-old has started just one Premier League game this season but captained City in the 2-0 Carling Cup win over Rotherham on Tuesday.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "I want to play every week but we've got a big squad with lots of talented players.

"I know I have to bide my time but the team is doing fantastic so I can't complain that I've not been picked."

Whelan scored the opening goal and was named man of the match in the victory over the Millers, a result which put the Potters through to the quarter-finals of the League Cup for the first time since 1978.

"The League Cup has been a chance for the players on the fringe of the first team to impress the manager and possibly give him a selection headache," said the Republic of Ireland international.

"At the minute the first team is doing very well but we need to be on our toes and be ready when we are needed.

"The performance against Rotherham showed that the attitude of all the players in the squad is good and we will keep working hard to be given a chance."