Glenn Whelan's quest for playing time ahead of the Euro 2020 qualifiers has seen him sign for League One side Fleetwood Town.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder left Scottish Premiership side Hearts under a cloud earlier this month after only four months in Edinburgh.
It just so happens the 36-year old's next port of call will see him managed by Joey Barton, who is to stand trial this year for the alleged assault of Hearts boss Daniel Stendel.
Barton is alleged to have pushed then-Barnsley manager Stendel at Oakwell on April 13, leaving him with a damaged tooth.
Whelan and Stendel did not get on during their brief time together, with the Dubliner telling The Herald, "When the new manager came in, the first person he spoke to was me. He was already having a bit of a go."
The former Stoke man is keen to get back playing and force his way into Mick McCarthy's thoughts ahead of that March playoff away to Slovakia, "For me, if I'm not playing and not playing well then I've no chance for internationals".
#ftfc midfielder Glenn Whelan has given his first interview as a Cod Army player! 📽️
Available on iFollow 👉 https://t.co/92RDULnM4R#OnwardTogether pic.twitter.com/ebry643UYo— Fleetwood Town FC (@ftfc) January 24, 2020
Fleetwood currently sit 11th in the League One table, but just 4-points off the playoff places.
Barton is delighted to be re-united with his former Manchester City teammate, "When the opportunity arose to bring someone of Glenn’s experience in to our squad, we moved quickly to get the deal done.
"Glenn is hungry to play and we’re sure that he will bring the qualities that everyone knows he is capable of into our group.
"We lost some experience in this window with Peter Clarke leaving to join Tranmere, so to bring someone in like Glenn who has been the captain of his country, is really important for our squad.
"This is an exciting signing for the club, and we look forward to seeing him in action.”
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