Stoke City have handed midfielder Glenn Whelan a new four-year contract.

The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international has overcome a sticky start to life in the Premier League with the Potters to become an integral part of Tony Pulis' side.

The former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder was a fringe member of the squad during the first half of last season but played his way into the starting line-up during their successful fight against relegation.

"I've worked hard since I arrived here and it is great to have been rewarded with a new deal," he told the club's official website.

"It has taken a week or two to iron out, but I never had to think about it really.

"I want to play at the highest level and achieve as much as I can and I feel I can fulfil my ambitions here at Stoke."

Speaking about his time on the sidelines last season, he added: "It was obviously disappointing at the time because I wanted to show I can play at this level, but I kept my head up and worked as hard as I could and fortunately I got my chance and I have taken it.

"Hopefully I can keep improving here under the gaffer and retain my spot in the starting eleven."