Glenn Whelan has today been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad by new manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

The Potters midfielder was in fine form during the final six league games, and was one of four players nominated for the Powerade Player of the Month Award for April.

He has now been rewarded with a call up to a training camp in Portugal which begins on 15th May, and will last for one week.

The former Sheffield Wednesday star could feature in two games for the Emerald Isle, against Serbia at Croke Park on May 24th, before returning to England to face Columbia at Fulham's Craven Cottage five days later.

Meanwhile Academy star Richard Vauls is this afternoon involved in international duty for the Northern Ireland Under 20's against Luxembourg.

He could also feature in their friendly against French side FC Metz tomorrow.