Whelan feeling the pressure at Potters after Allen arrival

Stoke City’s Glenn Whelan says the signing of Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen will keep him on his toes this season, but accepts new recruits are the only way to improve the side.

The Republic of Ireland international, who played in two games at the European Championships this summer, faces a battle to remain part of Mark Hughes’ starting midfield on a regular basis following the £13million capture of Allen.

 (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

Whelan started the Potters’ Premier League opener at the weekend – a 1-1 draw at newly-promoted Middlesbrough – and is now keen to ensure he holds onto his place in the face of competition from Allen.

“We want to improve and the only way to improve is by bringing in better players,” Whelan said. “Joe has great pedigree, did really well for Wales over the summer and has been at Liverpool, a massive club.

“Me and G (Giannelli Imbula) started on the weekend but he’s pushing us really hard. We know if our performances drop off he’ll come in straight away. We’ve got to stay on our toes.”

Whelan’s next chance to cement his place in the Potters’ midfield will come against former club Manchester City on Saturday.

City are an entirely different club to the one a young Whelan made his debut for in a UEFA Cup qualifier against TNS in 2003, and he expects a tough contest at the Bet365 Stadium.

“Manchester City are one of the favourites for the title and these are the games you want to play in – you want to play against the top teams and the top players,” said Whelan.

“With the players they’ve recruited it’s going to be a tough game. We will go there and give it a go like we always do. I don’t think our home record against them is too shabby.”