Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan will round off a remarkable season on Saturday night by winning a first senior international cap.The 24-year-old Dubliner started the campaign at struggling Sheffield Wednesday but will end it contemplating life in the Premier League and with a Republic of Ireland debut under his belt.

Under-21 international Whelan was called into the senior squad for their training camp in Portugal and was used as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Portimonese and started the 3-1 victory over Lagos in the two training games Ireland played.

But manager Giovanni Trapattoni has confirmed he will start Saturday's friendly clash with Serbia at Croke Park to make a dream come true.

However, whatever happens in his debut, Whelan is well aware only continued good form for his club will keep him in contention when his country's World Cup qualifying campaign gets underway in September.

He said: "It's been a disappointment with the Euros coming around and Ireland not being in it, but the World Cup qualifiers will be coming around quickly.

"But if you are not playing well for your club, you are not going to have a chance of getting into the team.

"That's why I need to get my head down and just worry about playing for Stoke before I can worry about playing for Ireland."

Whelan made a £500,000 move to the Britannia Stadium in January and has not looked back as the Potters fought their way into next season's Premier League on the coat-tails of Championship winners West Brom.

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