'What Glenn said about Stoke really excited me' - Whelan a factor in Lawal's choice

“The gaffer and Jon are full of ambition and that really attracted me, they want to take the club back to the highest level."

FANTASTIC ADDITION: Ireland’s Bosun Lawal action against Iceland U21s. Picture: INPHO/Jim Coughlan

Jon Walters and Glenn Whelan were influencers in Bosun Lawal’s decision to join Stoke City for an initial fee of £2m.

Walters coached Ireland’s U19s when Lawal was part of the squad and as Stoke’s sporting director since earlier this year identified the Celtic powerhouse as a target for the Championship club.