The Stoke City midfielder has been credited with similar instincts to the hugely-experienced AC Milan player by no less a figure than Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

Whelan, 24, is flattered by the comparison having only forced his way into the senior international picture during the summer.

on merit

However, he knows only maintaining the high standards he has set in winning his first three caps under Trapattoni will keep him in the team as he prepares for the opening World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Montenegro.

Whelan said: "To be compared with a player like that is great confidence-wise, especially coming from the manager. Saying that, if I play badly in the next game, that could all go out the window.

"Coming to meet the squad for the first time, you do want to impress. You want to catch the manager's eye and stay there. Hopefully, that's what I have done. I'm here on merit, but I know that if I'm not doing the business, there are other players out there who will come in and take my spot."