Republic of Ireland legend Glenn Whelan signs new contract extension with Fleetwood Town

The Republic of Ireland international who has made 91 appearances for his country is extending his stay on the Fylde coast, having initially signed a six-month-deal.

Whelan joined the Cod Army at the end of January after leaving Hearts in Scotland on a free transfer and went on to make 13 appearances for Town.

The 36-year-old started both legs of the play-off semi final against Wycombe Wanderers and was ever-present since his arrival.

Joey Barton has often praised the elite career of Whelan and what he brings to Poolfoot as well as Highbury.

In a statement on the club's website, he said: “I’m delighted to have Glenn for another season, the impact he made in the second half of the season was superb.

“He’s a player who has high standards on and off the pitch and you can’t have enough of those players around the club. I think people saw how important he was in us reaching the play-offs last season.

"At the moment he's on 91 caps for the Republic of Ireland and I know how passionate he is to get to 100, hopefully, we can help him reach what would be an incredible achievement."