Republic of Ireland veteran Glenn Whelan released by promoted Aston Villa

Republic of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan has been released following the conclusion of his contract with recently-promoted Aston Villa.

The 35-year-old made 38 appearances for the Birmingham club as they returned to the Premier League via the play-offs but is one of eight players not to be offered a new deal.

Whelan played in the first leg of the play-off semi-final against West Brom but was omitted from the second leg and final in favour of international team-mate Conor Hourihane.

The former Cherry Orchard schoolboy joined the Villains in the summer of 2017 following a nine-year spell with Stoke City, whom he helped to the Premier League.

The Clondalkin native recently made his return to international football under Mick McCarthy for March’s win over Georgia’s after being effectively retired by Martin O’Neill.

The one-time Manchester City and Sheffield Wednesday player has amassed 85 caps since being handed his debut by Giovanni Trapattoni against Serbia in 2008, scoring twice.

Whelan is now free to search for a new club alongside Micah Richards, Mile Jedinak, Alan Hutton, Tommy Elphick, Albert Adomah, Ritchie De Laet and Mark Bunn.