Tardelli banks on Whelan fitness

GLENN WHELAN won’t be involved in the final Four Nations tournament clash with Scotland at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow, but Republic of Ireland assistant manager Marco Tardelli is confident the midfielder will be fit to face Macedonia in next week’s Euro qualifier.

After briefly joining up with the squad on Thursday, Whelan flew back to Stoke for treatment on his injured ankle, but Tardelli insists it’s not a serious problem.

“He was here on Thursday but didn’t train,” revealed Tardelli. “He is back at his club now for treatment but will come back here on Monday morning. I’m not concerned about his fitness. He has a little problem (ankle) and it just needs a little rest.”