tetsujin1979
23/08/2004, 2:09 PM
This is getting beyond a joke. I'd have to say I'd find it very hard to cheer Whelan, but that's my opinion of him as a player, rather than anything to do with his nationality.
From http://www.thisisaberdeen.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=148309&command=displayContent&sourceNode=148302&contentPK=10726317
NOEL CHASES IRELAND SPOT
16:00 - 07 August 2004
New Don Noel Whelan is ready to change allegiance to revive his international career.
The former England Under-21 cap has pledged his future to the Republic of Ireland and qualifies because his father is Irish.
Whelan, who was tipped to become a future full England cap, reckons his move to Aberdeen will help improve his international prospects.
He said: "It was great to play for England at youth level and to win two caps.
"But now I have declared myself available for the Republic of Ireland which I did via my agent.
"You can do that as long as you haven't represented another country in a full senior match."
Whelan, who was set to make his competitive Dons debut against Rangers today, now wants Republic boss Kerr to check him out at Pittodrie.
The former Leeds United, Coventry City and Middlesbrough forward knows he will have to turn on the style for Aberdeen if he is going to earn an international place up front alongside the likes of Robbie Keane.
He added: "I hope the Republic manager Brian Kerr comes to take a look at me and I would be chuffed if something came off.
"If I get off to a good start with Aberdeen then who knows what could happen?
"I would love to play for the Republic of Ireland despite having played for the England Under-21 team.
"At the end of the day it is full international caps you want and my family are right behind my plans.
"They weren't pleased about my initial decision to play for England in the first place so it is only fair that I change things now."
Dons boss Calderwood is backing his new boy to become a smash hit in the SPL.
And he says Whelan will still be terrorising defences for the next six years.
"I think Noel will do well in the SPL but it is a hard league to play in," said Calderwood.
"It's very difficult for strikers but I hope he can become a big success here - he is still only 29.
"He has got a good five or six years left in him and if he brings Aberdeen any kind of success he would be a legend up here.
"I don't think he would want to leave the club if he enjoys a bit of success."
From http://www.thisisaberdeen.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=148309&command=displayContent&sourceNode=148302&contentPK=10726317
NOEL CHASES IRELAND SPOT
16:00 - 07 August 2004
New Don Noel Whelan is ready to change allegiance to revive his international career.
The former England Under-21 cap has pledged his future to the Republic of Ireland and qualifies because his father is Irish.
Whelan, who was tipped to become a future full England cap, reckons his move to Aberdeen will help improve his international prospects.
He said: "It was great to play for England at youth level and to win two caps.
"But now I have declared myself available for the Republic of Ireland which I did via my agent.
"You can do that as long as you haven't represented another country in a full senior match."
Whelan, who was set to make his competitive Dons debut against Rangers today, now wants Republic boss Kerr to check him out at Pittodrie.
The former Leeds United, Coventry City and Middlesbrough forward knows he will have to turn on the style for Aberdeen if he is going to earn an international place up front alongside the likes of Robbie Keane.
He added: "I hope the Republic manager Brian Kerr comes to take a look at me and I would be chuffed if something came off.
"If I get off to a good start with Aberdeen then who knows what could happen?
"I would love to play for the Republic of Ireland despite having played for the England Under-21 team.
"At the end of the day it is full international caps you want and my family are right behind my plans.
"They weren't pleased about my initial decision to play for England in the first place so it is only fair that I change things now."
Dons boss Calderwood is backing his new boy to become a smash hit in the SPL.
And he says Whelan will still be terrorising defences for the next six years.
"I think Noel will do well in the SPL but it is a hard league to play in," said Calderwood.
"It's very difficult for strikers but I hope he can become a big success here - he is still only 29.
"He has got a good five or six years left in him and if he brings Aberdeen any kind of success he would be a legend up here.
"I don't think he would want to leave the club if he enjoys a bit of success."