Darren O’Dea

[Stuttgart88]

Different types of players - McShane has been described in the Kevin Moran mould, O'Dea would be pereceived as havibng more finesse.

A year and a half ago O'Dea had played superbly in a CL last 16 game at the San Siro.

I'd say both looked better then.

[drummerboy]

Can't say I ever remember O'Dea having a bad game. He just hasnt got that much game time but whenever he does get it he impresses. Think he is seriously thinking of getting out of Celtic Park if he is not getting regular football next season.

[the doc]

McShanes just low on confidence right now, I'd say McShane a year and a half ago looked better than O'Dea now.

If McShane, as you suggest looked better a year and a half ago than O'Dea is now, then God help us!

Both are little more than squad players for their clubs

McShane is low on ability, not confidence, he's been found out, He's fast becoming the Douglas Bader of Football!

[tetsujin1979]

If McShane, as you suggest looked better a year and a half ago than O'Dea is now, then God help us!

A year and a half ago, McShane had just moved from the Championship to the Premiership with Sunderland as one of Roy Keane's first close season signings, had made his debut for Ireland, and was looking good.

O'Dea has spent the last 2 season as a barely used substitute.

So yeah, McShane did look better 18 months ago than O'Dea does now.

[eirebhoy]

I can't emphasise enough to people how good a player it would take to get Stephen McManus out of Strachan's team. He's the captain of the team. If a player came through the ranks to displace him you're pretty much writing McManus' Celtic career off. It's really impossible to say how highly Strachan rates him but McManus has gone through his career so far under Strachan without injury so we've not had a chance to see O'Dea get a decent run at centre half. I would take a lot of encouragement out of him helping Celtic keep AC Milan scoreless for 180 minutes though. A bad defender could have very easily embarassed that Celtic team over those 2 legs.

[seanfhear]

In a way its a pity that loan move to Burnley did not go ahead.

Darren needs some first team football but he is still young for a centre back but as I said he needs some first team football.

[irishfan86]

In a way its a pity that loan move to Burnley did not go ahead.

Darren needs some first team football but he is still young for a centre back but as I said he needs some first team football.

I think playing such a key role in a cup win will be good for his career long-term, even if he doesn't stay with Celtic.

I agree that he needs to seek out a new home for next season though if Strachan doesn't guarantee him first team football.

[gspain]

I can't emphasise enough to people how good a player it would take to get Stephen McManus out of Strachan's team. He's the captain of the team. If a player came through the ranks to displace him you're pretty much writing McManus' Celtic career off. It's really impossible to say how highly Strachan rates him but McManus has gone through his career so far under Strachan without injury so we've not had a chance to see O'Dea get a decent run at centre half. I would take a lot of encouragement out of him helping Celtic keep AC Milan scoreless for 180 minutes though. A bad defender could have very easily embarassed that Celtic team over those 2 legs.

Maybe it is semantics but are you saying McManus is really THAT good or just that Strachan really rates him.

Darren O'Dea has really impressed when I've seen him on tv. McManus looks very average to me. Now I appreciate Strachan has won the league every season and looks like doing so again. I would take it as apositive that he really rates McManus as it probably means he could still really rate O'Dea.

[Stuttgart88]

Maybe it is semantics but are you saying McManus is really THAT good or just that Strachan really rates him.

Darren O'Dea has really impressed when I've seen him on tv. McManus looks very average to me. Now I appreciate Strachan has won the league every season and looks like doing so again. I would take it as apositive that he really rates McManus as it probably means he could still really rate O'Dea.I suspect he's saying that McManus' leadership material makes him undroppable. I'd agree. I think he's limited as a player but he has the kind of attitude we could do with. I reckon Paddy McCarthy is the most similar of the younger Irish.

[eirebhoy]

Maybe it is semantics but are you saying McManus is really THAT good or just that Strachan really rates him.

The latter. I think O'Dea is a lot better than McManus was at the same age. I think with a run of games it's possible that O'Dea is already at the level McManus currently is. But McManus is Strachan's captain at the peak of his career. The only way McManus is going to be displaced is if Strachan spent £6m+ on a proven international class left sided central defender. For O'Dea to become first choice at Celtic McManus would basically have to be sold.

On McManus - I've never had as much difficulty trying to rate a player. He's just a very solid player but even when he looks solid his team are capable of conceding 3 or 4. If McManus was 1 of your 2 central defenders, I think the central defence would be as good as his partner. McManus beside Nesta would be top class. McManus beside John O'Shea wouldn't be great. While a really good player could form a good partnership with O'Shea.

If that makes sense...

[The Fly]

The latter. I think O'Dea is a lot better than McManus was at the same age. I think with a run of games it's possible that O'Dea is already at the level McManus currently is. But McManus is Strachan's captain at the peak of his career. The only way McManus is going to be displaced is if Strachan spent £6m+ on a proven international class left sided central defender. For O'Dea to become first choice at Celtic McManus would basically have to be sold.

On McManus - I've never had as much difficulty trying to rate a player. He's just a very solid player but even when he looks solid his team are capable of conceding 3 or 4. If McManus was 1 of your 2 central defenders, I think the central defence would be as good as his partner. McManus beside Nesta would be top class. McManus beside John O'Shea wouldn't be great. While a really good player could form a good partnership with O'Shea.

If that makes sense...

I agree with much of the above. Basically, I think what you are saying is that McManus does not set the tone for the defence - which I suppose seems strange given that he is the club captain, but there you go. Another reason is that O'Dea is left-footed and Strachan probably would not want two left-footed players to make up the partnership in central defence.

[gspain]

I agree with much of the above. Basically, I think what you are saying is that McManus does not set the tone for the defence - which I suppose seems strange given that he is the club captain, but there you go. Another reason is that O'Dea is left-footed and Strachan probably would not want two left-footed players to make up the partnership in central defence.

Definitely no way there would be 2 leftfooters in the centre of the Celtic defence. :D

Seems valid enough but as McManus never seems to be injured it would make sense for O'Dea to move on unless he can nail down the left back spot.

[seanfhear]

I think playing such a key role in a cup win will be good for his career long-term, even if he doesn't stay with Celtic.

I agree that he needs to seek out a new home for next season though if Strachan doesn't guarantee him first team football.
Nice to see him play in a cup final alright but sometimes you can't have everything.
It might have been better if he had gone to a good championship club(Burnley) with a very promising manager and gotten a series of games with a club fighting to get into the play offs.

[Junior]

Ironically McManus has pulled out of the Scotland squad today with an injury

[WexCar]

Scored in 90th minute for Celtic tonight

on a side note McCourt came on in the 82nd minute replacing Nakamura.

[WexCar]

Just thought I'd bump his thread to see what peoples thoughts on how he will get on this year, with a change of management at the club he has a chance to make a fresh case for himself.

[eirebhoy]

Pity he's injured because there's a good chance that Celtic won't have 1 centre half available for the first game of the season. McManus is definitely out, Caldwell suspended, Misun out for months and Loovens has a disciplinary meeting in a couple of weeks.

[geysir]

What's the story with his injury?

[eirebhoy]

There's no news at all on his injury. He's been injured over the summer.

[the doc]

[QUOTE=eirebhoy;1196022]Pity he's injured because there's a good chance that Celtic won't have 1 centre half available for the first game of the season. QUOTE]

I've a feeling they will have more than one!;)

Whats Celtic's current CB's and Defenders like anyhow?

[eirebhoy]

Caldwell is probably the most highly rated. He's the most dominant anyway. I always say about McManus that he tends to be as good as his partner. I feel McManus could play beside Nesta and the defence would be very good. He doesn't make many mistakes. But play him beside an average defender and the defence will be no more than average.

Caldwell can be error prone and players have gotten the better of him. He's the most similar to St Ledger though.

Celtic fans wouldn't be upset if Celtic sold any of the centre halves for a couple of million. They all want O'Dea to finally get a decent chance though. I think Loovens will be first choice this season actually.

[Stuttgart88]

Not as good as you Doc.

If I were you I'd wait until Celtic's ECL qualifiers are done before committing!

[Razors left peg]

I wonder would a cash plus O Dea deal for St Ledger be of any interest to Preston

[the doc]

Caldwell is probably the most highly rated. He's the most dominant anyway. I always say about McManus that he tends to be as good as his partner. I feel McManus could play beside Nesta and the defence would be very good. He doesn't make many mistakes. But play him beside an average defender and the defence will be no more than average.

Caldwell can be error prone and players have gotten the better of him. He's the most similar to St Ledger though.

Celtic fans wouldn't be upset if Celtic sold any of the centre halves for a couple of million. They all want O'Dea to finally get a decent chance though. I think Loovens will be first choice this season actually.

I'd heard that they were trying to offload Loovens and bring in "The Saint"

[gustavo]

I'd heard that they were trying to offload Loovens and bring in "The Saint"

You know it's not against the rules to make posts not related to Sean St Ledger

[geysir]

======

[the doc]

You know it's not against the rules to make posts not related to Sean St Ledger

I've made posts about squad and fringe players such as McShane, Bruce and O'Dea on many occassions.

[tetsujin1979]

I've made posts about squad and fringe players such as McShane, Bruce and O'Dea on many occassions.

Yeah, but those posts are usually along the lines of "why is McShane/Bruce/O'Dea in the squad and Sean St Ledger is left kicking his heels in Preston?"

[the doc]

Yeah, but those posts are usually along the lines of "why is McShane/Bruce/O'Dea in the squad and Sean St Ledger is left kicking his heels in Preston?"

Early days yet, but I did prove all you doubters wrong!

Even the Irish media, asked the same question after the Bulgaria game.

Maybe you can tell me why?

[Stuttgart88]

yeah we know Doc but you are the equivalent of a "single issue candidate" in politics. You'd have far more credibility by being objective - for example, opining about an Irish defender without comparing him to SSL - and actually commenting on other areas of interest to the Irish team.

Come on, you can do it, even though it's hard. Say it:

My name's Doc and I'm an Irish football fan.

We've all done it.

[irishfan86]

Is he an Irish football fan, or just a sledge fan?

It's either him or his agent, or a fan who's a bit too keen.

[SkStu]

yeah we know Doc but you are the equivalent of a "single issue candidate" in politics..

funny you should mention it, this is a pic of the Doc a few years ago.

http://www.sdgi.ie/images/films/ming.jpg

[eirebhoy]

O'Dea came on at half time last night against Cardiff which is good news.

[paul_oshea]

funny you should mention it, this is a pic of the Doc a few years ago.

http://www.sdgi.ie/images/films/ming.jpg

he hasn't changed much either ;)

[Razors left peg]

Just watchin Celtics game in the Wembley Cup against Al Ahly of Egypt.O'Dea came on at half time and while the oppositon havent been great to say the least I have to say Im impressed with him every time Ive seen him. Hes very composed and is a very good passer of the ball too.Really think he has a big future and hopefully now that Strachen has gone Cauldwell wont be untouchable at center half at Celtic anymore and Darren could very well become a regular this season

[Junior]

Just watchin Celtics game in the Wembley Cup against Al Ahly of Egypt.O'Dea came on at half time and while the oppositon havent been great to say the least I have to say Im impressed with him every time Ive seen him. Hes very composed and is a very good passer of the ball too.Really think he has a big future and hopefully now that Strachen has gone Cauldwell wont be untouchable at center half at Celtic anymore and Darren could very well become a regular this season

Although interestingly, Caldwell (scottish player of the year last season) is a possible/favourite to take over the captaincy from McManus.

Loovens as well as O'Dea, will also be looking to gain a regular place spot at CB and we have just spent £2m on Fox at LB so it will be tough enough for O'Dea to get a starting slot. McManus is injured at the moment though, so its all to play for under the new manager.....

[Stuttgart88]

Hasd O'Dea bulked up a bit over the summer? He looks stronger.

He had one very careless pass yesterday but was otherwise very assured looking. He also sems to be Celtic's no. 1 target from set pieces wide of the box.

I like the look of him.

[geysir]

Right now we need a LB more than a CH.
Is O'Dea a definite CB?

[tetsujin1979]

Right now we need a LB more than a CH.
Is O'Dea a definite CB?

Yeah, pretty much. He doesn't have the pace to be a full back. I haven't seen him play since the B game vs Forest last year, and Bruce was far better than him at centre half in that game, so I really do hope he's improved since then.

[eirebhoy]

I'm delighted he'll be playing under Mowbray as he'll make him cut out the constant punts up field. O'Dea is a good passer but he tries too much to set up goals from his centre half position. Sven really improved Dunne's passing so hopefully it'll be the same here.

One thing O'Dea doesn't lack is confidence. He'll certainly be a captain at some level in a few years.

[irishfan86]

Right now we need a LB more than a CH.
Is O'Dea a definite CB?

Well, it's always good to have options. Sledge and O'Shea are capable of playing as fullbacks, so if O'Dea improves it still gives us options.

O'Dea is certainly not a left-full though. I've always been impressed when I've seen him in the centre, but his lack of pace makes him a liability out wide.

Glad to see that Mowbray recognizes this and seems to be using him in the centre in pre-season.

[EAFC_rdfl]

started at CB today and was also captain with the likes of caldwell and mcdonald rested. I can see McManus having a hard enough time getting back in, even though im a big fan of his.
Its funny he was on the fringe of the 1st team when strachan arrived, and was suddenly thrown into the starting 11 and has been ever present since.
Could the same now happen O'Dea under mowbray? I hope so.
Celtic beat spurs 2-0 with a much weakened team, bodes well for wednesday

[drummerboy]

I reckon Mowbray will go with Loovens and Calwell on wednesday. With McManus still to come back, I reckon Darren O'Dea is still fourth choice. Reckon a move away is enevitable if he doesn't gain a starting place before Christmas.

[Thommo]

Thought O'Dea looked very good when he came on for the second half against the Egyptian team not sure whether he will start on Wed night Strachan was playing him as a full back and Fox will probably play considering they have splashed out the cash on him.
Is Wednesday's match available on TV normally BBC Scotland show the preliminary CL rounds involving the Scottish teams can get on the Sky Platform on other channels section?

[Wangball]

Its on BBC2 Scotland, can that be gotten on the Sky Other Channels option?

[ifk101]

Regardless I think O'Dea has a long way to go before he could be considered a viable option at international level. There isn't many quality players in that Celtic squad and O'Dea inability to establish himself as a regular in the team is telling.

[irishfan86]

Regardless I think O'Dea has a long way to go before he could be considered a viable option at international level. There isn't many quality players in that Celtic squad and O'Dea inability to establish himself as a regular in the team is telling.

Strachan never gave youth a chance during his reign, with the exception of McGeady, who was simply too talented to leave out (although he made every effort to upset him it seems).

Caldwell and McManus are decent at best, but I'd say most Celtic fans talk about centre-half as Celtic's weakest area, and have done so for a couple of seasons now.

I'm not saying O'Dea is the finished article just yet, but if he gets a run of regular first team football and plays like I think he can, I'd be happy to have him as our third choice centre-half behind Dunne and St. Ledger (assuming O'Shea will be a fullback).

I've never been impressed with him as a fullback, but every time I see him at centre-half he rarely puts a foot wrong.

A top top manager would have let him break into the Celtic team sooner, like say...after not conceding any goals against AC Milan over two legs in 90 minutes...:eek:

[tetsujin1979]

Its on BBC2 Scotland, can that be gotten on the Sky Other Channels option?
according to the official site, the game is exclusive to Channel 67 in the UK and Ireland - http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_250709155355.aspx
Not sure what the options are for elsewhere, but I'd keep an eye on myp2p.eu for streams

[Junior]

Its on BBC2 Scotland, can that be gotten on the Sky Other Channels option?

I think thats just the away leg.

[Junior]

Strachan never gave youth a chance during his reign, with the exception of McGeady, who was simply too talented to leave out (although he made every effort to upset him it seems).

Well apart from McManus of course who had been largely ignored by MON and Strachan brought in to the first and then later made captain. O'Dea would be coming up to a similar age now I suspect -22/23ish.

And of course our own Cillian got a decent run in the side as well before being loaned out to Motherwell, including Old Trafford in the Champions League.

I was no lover of Strachan but what you say isnt entirely true.


I would say, Celtic fans have been pining for a decent LB for the last two seasons - Strachans failure to get one in was frustrating and now Mowbray has purchased Fox, we will have to see how tht goes. No doubt though you are correct in saying the CB pairing is often met with derision from the fans - though Im not sure the stats back up that it was that bad. McManus is certainly a no nonsense defender but is capable of bad mistakes and is currently club captain. Caldwell is more of a footballing CB (won player of the year in Scotland last year).

If anything, with McManus injured at the moment I can see Loovens stepping in and retaining his place, then its down to whether McManus jumps ahead of O'Dea in waiting for an injury/loss of form/suspension.