Whelan relishing return for Potters

Republic of Ireland international midfielder Glenn Whelan has revealed he defied medical opinion to return to action from a broken leg for Stoke City ahead of schedule.

Whelan, who hopes to start against Liverpool today was told he would be missing for eight to 10 weeks when he was injured in Ireland’s 1-1 draw against Germany on October 14.

He said: “I was told it could be anywhere from eight to 10 weeks. So to come back in four is great.