We can finish in top six, says Stoke midfielder Whelan
Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan says the competition in the squad can drive the Potters to a top-six finish this season.
Mark Hughes’ men have had their best start to a Premier League season with Saturday’s impressive 1-0 win at Southampton taking them into 11th place with 19 points from 13 games.
The Potters have won five of their last seven games to pull to close in on the top six and Republic of Ireland international Whelan says they can maintain their form and finish in the European places.
“Hopefully we can get there. We need the results – to go to Southampton and win shows just how far we’ve come,” said Whelan when asked whether Stoke can finish in top six.
“Stoke have always been tough to beat and we want to keep that,” the 31-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke.
“It’s down to confidence and the way we’ve been playing under the manager – he has a certain style – and everywhere we go, we’ll give anyone a good game.”
Hughes added Ibrahim Affelay, Glen Johnson Xherdan Shaqiri, Philipp Wollsheid and Joselu in the summer and Whelan claims the tough competition for places is driving the squad on to a different level.
“The manager’s brought in some top players and you have to keep your standards up if you want to stay in the team,” added Whelan.
“They’re pushing us on to keep doing as well because if we don’t play well, things can easily change.
“It’s a healthy squad and things are going well so everyone’s happy.
“The belief in and around the squad is that we’re good enough,” said the Republic of Ireland international.
“Hopefully we can get there. We need the results – to go to Southampton and win shows just how far we’ve come.”
Stoke, whose win at Southampton as their third 1-0 win in their last four away matches, will head to Sunderland on Saturday.