Ireland midfielder Whelan back in action

Republic of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan is available for selection again for Stoke having recovered from his hamstring problem.

He was not deemed fit enough to take part in last Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Sunderland, but will be fit for tomorrow’s Premier League clash at Norwich.

Ireland teammate Marc Wilson, who sustained a fractured left fibula in that match, is set to be out of action for three months.

Andy Wilkinson is expected to fill in at left-back for Stoke.

Potters manager Tony Pulis has indicated winger Matthew Etherington – used mostly as a substitute this term – could be line for a return to the first XI.

Provisional squad: Begovic, Sorensen, Huth, Shawcross, Cameron, Upson, Shotton, Whelan, Etherington, Delap, Palacios, Jones, Jerome, Crouch, Walters, Kightly, Whitehead, Adam, Edu, Nzonzi, Owen, Ness, Wilkinson.