Steve Bruce has entrusted Glenn Whelan with helping Aston Villa to return to the Premier League this season.
The Ireland midfielder joined the club from Stoke City on Thursday morning and became one of Villa's highest profile signings of the window - if, of course, you discount John Terry.
Despite making the jump down to the Championship, the 33-year-old was at pains to show that he was fine with the situation.
We may be in the Championship but everything about this club screams Premier League – and it’s the job of the players to get us back up there.
I have enjoyed happy times at Stoke City but now is the time for a new football adventure – and what a club to join in Aston Villa.
I am looking forward to working with Steve Bruce.
He has a phenomenal record in achieving promotion to the top-flight. Having spoken to him at length, I am more than aware of how much he wants to get back there again.
Whelan brings to an end his nine-year career with Stoke City to join Villa. While his signing may be met with derision by some Villa supporters, Pete Smith of the Stoke Sentinel told us last September why he is so important to a team.
An unsung hero. Doing the work that goes unnoticed. But you'd notice him if he wasn't there.
He's a great character in the changing room and on the pitch. He's the captain in all but armband. A real leader. Mark Hughes has wanted that as he's brought in flair players to have that heartbeat of the old Stoke.
Irish In The Championship
The move increases the already high number of Irish players in the Championship, which may be the league Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane spend most of their time watching this season.
Preston North End will host a number of Irish players next season including newly procured Cork City duo Sean Maguire and Kevin O'Connor. Ireland international Daryl Murphy, meanwhile, is rumoured to be joining Nottingham Forest.
