Corey Whelan
Corey Whelan (born 12 December 1997) is an English-born Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender for League Two side Carlisle United. He has been capped by the Republic of Ireland under-21s. Club career. Liverpool. Whelan began his youth career at Crewe Alexandra when he was signed by Liverpool F.C aged 9 in 2007. He made his Liverpool under-18 debut against Manchester United, with the team winning 4–0. He then became a regular starter of the club's under-23 team and team captain. He signed a new contract with the club in December 2017. Loans to  Yeovil Town and Crewe Alexandra. On 5 January 2018, Whelan joined League Two club Yeovil Town on loan until the end of the season. He made his debut for Yeovil against Bradford City in the FA Cup third round, on 6 January 2018. He scored his first senior goal against Fleetwood Town in the EFL Trophy on 6 February 2018. On 31 August 2018, he joined Crewe on loan until January 2019. After under-21s international call-ups, he made his Crewe debut playing at right-back in a 0–0 draw at Cheltenham Town on 15 September 2018. He scored his  first goal for Crewe at Gresty Road in a 2–0 win over Grimsby Town on 27 October 2018. He was released by Liverpool at the end of the 2018–19 season. Phoenix Rising. On 15 July 2019, Whelan joined USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC. Wigan Athletic. On 22 January 2021, Whelan joined League One side Wigan Athletic on a permanent deal until the end of the 2020-21 season. He made 10 appearances at his time at Wigan, helping the club avoid the drop to league 2, despite being in administration . Carlisle United. On 23 June 2021, Whelan agreed to  join Carlisle United on two-year deal following the expiry of his contract at Wigan. International career. Having previously played for Ireland at youth level, he received his first Republic of Ireland under-21 cap in a match against Kosovo on 25 March 2017.