Whelan delighted with new Stoke deal

Stoke City FC have secured the services of midfielder Glenn Whelan until at least June 2015, after the Republic of Ireland international agreed terms on a new three-and-a-half-year contract.

Whelan, who has made 117 league appearances since signing for Stoke from Sheffield Wednesday FC in January 2008, has put pen to paper on a deal that includes the option of a further 12 months.

The 27-year-old helped Stoke reach their first-ever FA Cup final last season – lost to Manchester City FC – and the Potters have since flourished in the UEFA Europa League this term, qualifying for the round of 32 after finishing runners-up in Group E. Whelan was also ever-present in the Republic of Ireland's successful UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying campaign.

"I am loving life at the moment and things are going really well, so I am absolutely delighted to commit my long-term future to the club," said Whelan, who turns 28 on Friday. "We have enjoyed a remarkable past few years with everything we have achieved and I believe even more can be achieved in the future. I am very excited about what the next few years could have in store, and I am proud to be part of it as we look to continue the club's excellent progress."

Stoke host Valencia CF in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 32 tie on 16 February, with the return in Spain a week later. Ireland, meanwhile, will face Croatia, Spain and Italy in UEFA EURO 2012 Group C in June.