Republic of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan is set to join League One side Fleetwood Town in a bid to retain his place in Mick McCarthy's side for the crucial Euro 2020 playoff with Slovakia.
Whelan was asked to train with the Lancashire club by manager Joey Barton, according to the Irish Independent, amid interest from a host of other English clubs, including Championship side Luton Town.
The Fishermen sit 11th in the third tier table, four points behind sixth-placed Sunderland, and are adding Whelan until the end of the season to help boost their playoff push.
Whelan was the first player to depart Hearts as part of new boss Daniel Stendel's major squad overhaul of the Scottish Premiership basement-dwellers.
The 36-year-old was signed on a free transfer last summer after leaving Aston Villa, with the aim of playing regularly to ensure he was still in contention should Ireland qualify for next summer’s European Championship finals, as per McCarthy's wishes to have all of his squad playing regular senior football.
And while Stendel acknowledged that Whelan was willing to try to take on responsibility, he hadn’t seen evidence of the 35-year-old being able to exert his influence in the Jambos’ engine room.
"I can say he is a good type,” said Stendel.
“He wants to take the responsibility but I have seen only three games. Do you have the feeling he is a leader in this group?
“It's not Glenn's fault - but a real leader in the centre of the pitch? Sorry - maybe I missed it. Maybe Michael Smith tries to take responsibility on the pitch.
"We can bring one in but also we can improve one other player to take more responsibility. Before I came here, they signed some players who have experience and are the right age to take the responsibility.
“Maybe they are not fit at the moment or they cannot handle the situation at the moment. This is a big point for us.”
Whelan won't be the only Dubliner on the team as Paddy Madden is the side's top scorer, with 13 so far this season.
