Ireland will profit from addition of undervalued assets Glenn Whelan and Brian Kerr

In the heart of a pitch lies a role that, though often underappreciated, is arguably the most pivotal in shaping the outcome of a game – the sitting central midfielder.

In our own league, central midfielders such as Jamie Lennon at St Pat's, Gary O'Neill at Shamrock Rovers and Gary Deegan at Drogheda have instrumental roles in their teams, displaying attributes that often go unnoticed by the casual observer.

Their ability to balance defensive duties with attacking contributions, all while maintaining a panoramic view of the pitch, positions them uniquely within their teams. It positions them, in my eyes at least, to have the best chance of being successful coaches when they finish playing.

Glenn Whelan stands as the epitome of the underappreciated midfielder. Throughout his career, both at club and international level, Whelan's contributions were often overlooked as he did his job to the highest of standards.

Yet, his role was no less crucial due to a lack of acclaim from the wider public. A sitting midfielder's game is one of balance, athleticism and oversight; they are the pivot around which a team plays, capable of influencing the team both in and out of possession.

Whelan's longevity and consistency at such high levels highlights the mental resilience and tactical knowhow inherent to his new role.

From the Manchester City academy, to lengthy spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City, all while racking up 91 Ireland caps and appearing at two European Championships – this is not a CV one acquires without possessing quality of the highest order.

This mental resilience, combined with a deep understanding of the game from the midfield perspective, positions players like Whelan exceptionally well for successful coaching