Glenn Whelan has been tipped to be a future Ireland manager.
The former Boys in Green midfielder has joined Joey Barton’s coaching staff at Bristol Rovers - and he has also registered as a player.
The 38-year-old will only pull on his boots, however, in an emergency.
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Whelan played 33 times for Rovers last year as they won promotion to League One.
“I think he’s got all the attributes to be a fantastic coach,” Barton told Bristol Live.
“Being an Irishman, could you see him one day managing and coaching Ireland? Yeah, of course I could, with his experience of his playing career and his international career.
“We go back to the youth team days at Man City and I like young, hungry staff.
“I believe massively that good coaches make good players and I think Whelo will be an outstanding coach.
“Not only because of the standing he’s got in the building from when he played, but last year he was mega close to the young players because we had those two dressing rooms (due to COVID regulations) and Whelo was in the other dressing room.”
Joining Whelan on the coaching staff is ex-Sligo Rovers star Danny Ventre.
“Glenn’s influence both on and off the pitch last year was huge,” Barton continued.
“His infectious nature means that when the opportunity arose to bring him back as a coach, it was a no-brainer.
“The experience and knowledge he can pass on to the lads will be a key factor for us moving forward.
“We are really pleased to add Danny to our coaching team.
“He is someone who brings with him lots of fresh ideas for training and match days.
“He’s an enthusiastic character and the lads will really respond to him. I’m delighted with my team of coaches for the season ahead.”
Whelan’s time at Bristol Rovers looked to be over when he was released at the end of last season.
His final appearance was a 7-0 win over Scunthorpe - the perfect way to bow out, according to Barton.
However, 91-time capped Whelan didn’t see it that way.
“At Fleetwood and here, he’s been superb for us,” said Barton.
“I think there is still a part of him that wants to play on.
“I said to him ‘If you’re ever going to get off the parade, 7-0 at the Mem… You’ve had a great career, give someone else a go, will you?’
“There’s never a right time to go out, but go out at the apex, go out on that. There’s no better way of going out.
“We’ve had a number of conversations back and forth over the summer because it’s not my place to tell people what to do and great for Whelo that he feels the next stage of his football journey isn’t what it was last year.”
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