O’Neill is giving players confidence, says Whelan

Glenn Whelan praised the input and “fresh ideas” of new manager Martin O’Neill, after Ireland claimed a clean sheet against Poland in the second game of the new regime.

Asked about the famously fiery nature of the Derry man’s team talks, the midfielder acknowledged the lack of a language barrier has made a difference since Giovanni Trapattoni’s time, who he retains praise for.

“He gives you confidence,” Whelan said of O’Neill. “You know he can get the best out of everyone and if he can do that with all the lads, he’ll have a great squad, and something we can really improve on.