Mark Hughes: Glenn Whelan "not ready" to return for Republic of Ireland

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has questioned Glenn Whelan's Republic of Ireland call-up by claiming that it has come too soon after he suffered a serious injury.

The Potters midfielder was named in the international squad for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland despite not having played since breaking his leg last month.

Hughes has insisted that the 30-year-old is "not ready" to return yet and has urged Ireland's staff not to take a risk on his fitness.

"As a club we don't think he is ready," he told reporters. "He is training with the physios and making good progress, but he has not joined in any training sessions with us and there is not a plan to do that.

"Probably Ireland are within their rights to call him up to be assessed, but our view is that he is not ready - if we had a game this time next week, he wouldn't be playing for us because it would be too much of a risk.

"I'm sure Glenn will meet up with Ireland and then their FA will have to make the correct decision."

Whelan has made 65 appearances for the Republic since making his debut in May 2008 - four months after he moved to the Britannia Stadium from Sheffield Wednesday.