Whelan is the Liverpool U23 skipper. EMPICS Sport EMPICS Sport

IRELAND U21 INTERNATIONAL Corey Whelan will spend the remainder of this season on loan at Yeovil Town.

Liverpool’s U23 captain celebrated his 20th birthday with a new contract last month, and the Reds have decided to farm him out to the League Two side so he can gain experience playing senior football.

Chester-born defender Whelan, who qualifies for the Boys in Green through his two Irish parents, can play anywhere across the backline and is seen as a real prospect for both club and country.

In action for Ireland's U21s. Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO

Having first represented Ireland at U17 level, he has progressed through the ranks — making his U21 debut against Kosovo last year.

Ahead of linking up with Yeovil, who are currently 20th in England’s fourth tier, he tweeted:

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):

Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich Town complete deal for Cork-born Waterford striker

‘I congratulated Declan after the game’ – Praise for Irish youngster’s man-of-the-match performance at Wembley