Darren O’Dea

[geysir]

O'Dea signed a new deal with Celtic before going on loan.
There may be many different reasons for that
Possibly there was no other club willing to give him a 3 year contract at this stage but quite a few clubs were willing to take him on loan, hopefully he went for a club that he has the best chance to start.
He is still a young lad. 3 years contract security with Celtic and out on loan, is good going.

[youngirish]

Royals boss ends seven-year chase for O’Dea


September 1, 2009

Reading manager Brendan Rodgers admits he has been an admirer of Darren O’Dea since the Dubliner was 15 years of age.

http://www.eleven-a-side.com/acrossthewater/news.asp?n=37056

ooh err missus.

[Wangball]

I think he's only on loan until the end of December. Caldwell is out of contract at the end of this season and has stalled on signing a new one, and if he doesn't I can see Mowbray "cashing in" on him in January rather than waiting the season out, McManus has one foot out the door too so I think that in terms of O'Dea's future at Celtic this is quite a positive move, rather than sitting on the bench waiting for one of the above to get injured he'll be getting game time in a very competitive league, so if one or (hopefully) both of those two clowns leave O'Dea will come back to Celtic fully match fit and ready to go

[eirebhoy]

Loovens is actually in the Holland squad for their upcoming games. He's been excellent for the most part since Mowbray took over but it's Caldwell who I feel is more competing with O'Dea for a place.

[tetsujin1979]

O'Dea prefers staying at Reading to returning to Celtic bench: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12874_5579705,00.html

[Razors left peg]

has anyone heard how Darren has been doing since he joined Reading?

[Acornvilla]

5 starts this season http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10306~30700,00.html

[as_i_say]

i dunno would fighting for a celtic place not be a better option than playing league 1 football next season? Reading look a broken side.

[Junior]

Bearing in mid how the Loovens/McManus Loovens/Caldwell and McManus/Caldwell pairings haved looked in the last few games I really think Mowbray could well have thown in him for a game had he still been available. Mowbray is trying to find his best combination at the moment and none of them are looking great.

I think O'Dea did the right thing though, its only a temporary move at this stage and at least he is getting games under his belt.

[irishfan86]

O'Dea has been biding his time at Celtic for long enough. Getting some first team football at this stage was essential, even if it is with a struggling team such as Reading.

[tetsujin1979]

O'Dea may return to Celtic in January if Caldwell leaves the club: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2009/10/12/darren-o-dea-loan-deal-could-be-cut-short-86908-21740919/

[The Bunk]

Any word on his progress at Reading?

[Colbert Report]

Any word on his progress at Reading?

He was on the bench for Reading today but didn't play in the actual match.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=268328&league=ENG.2&cc=5901

[Murfinator]

Very odd season for O'Dea. I heard in the early stages at Reading he was thoroughly impressive and the fans were very pleased with him so why he'd be dropped I'm not sure. Also not sure why Celtic loaned him out in the first place.

[Junior]

Back at Celtic after a disappointing loan period at Reading.

Put straight in to the first 11 yesterday against Falkirk. Unfortunately he was at fault for the Falkirk goal in a disappointing 1-1 draw.

Played beside McManus (Who Im sure would be off if we could get a willing buyer). Loovens was ill and the new guy Hooieveld is not match fit. Whether O'Dea would have been thrown in regardless is hard to say but I think it will likely be Loovens & Hooieveld as first choices with McManus (or his replacement) and O'Dea fighting to get in to the team.

Didnt see the full game, so cant comment on his overall performance but it was his first game since October.

[Junior]

O'Dea should feature tonight against Morton in the Scottish Cup.

Caldwell sold to Wigan. McManus went off injured on Saturday. New guy Hooieveld not match fit yet. Sendoros Loan (?????) not yet agreed.

Looks like he should have a few games to make the starting slot his own. He really couldnt get a better opportunity to prove himself in the next few games.

[gspain]

captain and cleansheet last night.

Anybody see the game and let us know how he did.

[Junior]

Havent seen it yet. Got the highlights recorded from Sportscene, so will try and have a look tonight.

From the reviews, sounds like it was fairly comfortable for Celtic.

Not many references that Ive come across relating to O'Deas performance

later there were unsuccessful cries for a penalty when Celtic captain Darren O'Dea appeared to tug at Brian Wake in the box.

Six minutes later Samaras bundled the ball into the net at the back post from a Naylor corner which had been flicked on by O'Dea, but Thomson ruled the goal out for reasons which were not immediately clear.


Meanwhile Celtic have signed another CB - Hard to say what this means for Darren other than more competition of course!

Celtic have confirmed the signing of Norway Under-21 central defender Thomas Rogne after the 19-year-old left Stabaek on freedom on contract.

Rogne has signed on a three-and-a-half-year contract, with his former club due a compensation payment.

[Acornvilla]

teletext says they totaly controled the game and never troubled at the back so couldnt have overly impressed because of the quality of the opposition but i'm sure he was grand. being captian is a good sign thou! whose that young norwegan defender they baught today?

[Junior]

O'Dea started at LB on Sunday in the 1-4 victory versus St Johnstone.

A strange one really. Loovens and the 18yr old newbie Josh Thompson started at CB. However, Loovens got injured early on and O'Dea moved in to the middle with Thompson.

I didnt see the game but Darren appears to have played just OK, Celtic had a shocker in the first half but played very attacking in the 2nd half. He did miss an absolute sitter from about 4 yards out though!

Thats 3 starts he's made on the trot since he returned from Reading so at least hes getting games now.

First choice Left Back, Fox and CB, McManus now rumoured to be off to Burnley/Boro. Not sure where Mowbray sees Darren fitting in. LB or CB??

[Serb]

Looks like the McManus deal has gone ahead, good news for O'Dea at least.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jan/25/stephen-macmanus-celtic-middlesbrough

[geysir]

He did miss an absolute sitter from about 4 yards out though!
He didn't miss a sitter, well he did miss a sitter but there was not much he could have done. The ball rebounded at pace off the goalkeeper, bounced off O'Dea's shins and dribbled wide before he could react.
Let's take the positives - almost perfect attacking positioning :)

[Junior]

He didn't miss a sitter, well he did miss a sitter but there was not much he could have done. The ball rebounded at pace off the goalkeeper, bounced off O'Dea's shins and dribbled wide before he could react.
Let's take the positives - almost perfect attacking positioning :)

Fair do's - I agree we are not looking for his clinical finishing skills that is true;)

I hope he gets a run at the CB position but with the 2 new CB's brought in and the youngster Thomspson getting a few games under his belt there. Loovens to come back from injury as well, I cant help feeling Mowbray might just utilise Darren in the back line and that might be at LB more often than CB.

At least he has a few games to try and nail the CB position as his own before the other CB's are up to match fitness.

[Junior]

Mowbray on the possible departures of Fox (LB) and McManus (CB)

An opportunity has arisen for Danny," said the former Hibernian and West Brom boss.

"I get on very well with Brian Laws, I played with him at Middlesbrough many years ago, we had a conversation and I put the opportunity to Danny.

"It allows me a bit of flexibility in this window to move things around.

"But what I will say about Danny Fox, if nothing happens at Burnley for Danny then there is every chance that as soon as he is fit and available - he's a week or so away now - he will be featuring at left-back in the next game because he is a quality footballer."

Asked if he considered Fox's short time at Celtic to have been a success, Mowbray replied: "I think so. He's a player of high quality but I have to make decisions.

"I have Paul Caddis, Lee Naylor, Darren O'Dea and Mark Wilson, who has played Champions League football at left-back. So there's four players who can play left-back."
He added: "It's about flexibility for me and trying to prioritise the squad."

Club captain McManus, who has been at the club since he was a youth, was a favourite under old boss Gordon Strachan, now manager of Middlesbrough.

But the 27-year-old has failed to keep his place in the side under Mowbray this term, prompting interest from the Riverside, where Strachan has already taken three former Bhoys in Willo Flood, Chris Killen and Barry Robson.

However, Mowbray insists he rates McManus highly as both a player and a professional, but will not stand in the way of a move if the right deal becomes available.

"I am not resigned to losing Stephen," he said. "I think it is an opportunity for him.

"I will put on record what a fantastic man he is and what a fantastic player he has been for this club and if this deal doesn't happen he will be back on the training ground and striving to get himself in the team.

"He is a great leader of men and they are in shortage but this is an opportunity for him and something that he is exploring and we will wait and see what develops.

"I have just brought in two young centre-halves recently (Josh Thompson and Thomas Rogne), I have brought in Jos Hooiveld, who is left-footed, and I have Darren O'Dea back from Reading.
"If he goes, I'm sure he will do very well. If he doesn't go, as I said, he will be competing to be in the team and I wouldn't put it past Stephen to see him at the heart of our defence for the rest of the season."

I really think there is more chance of O'Dea playing at LB than CB once things settle down in February. Of the players Mowbray quotes as being able to play LB;

-Naylor is the only natural LB and has been heavily linked with a move away and would be second choice behind Fox.
-Wilson is a Right Back blighted by injury and since Hinkel arrived is lower down the pecking order and in fact was quoted as being likely to leave in January.
-Caddis is a great young player who has had limited chances so far (was loaned out last season) though who is also a right sided defender/midfielder.
-Darren is at least a Left sided player! -I can really see that being the place he ends up playing most.

Either that or the utility defender to have on the bench......

[Charlie Darwin]

Mowbray is some diplomat.

"I am not resigned to losing Stephen. I think it is an opportunity for him."

[elroy]

First choice Left Back, Fox and CB, McManus now rumoured to be off to Burnley/Boro. Not sure where Mowbray sees Darren fitting in. LB or CB??


I saw a few mins of this game, am I right in saying DOD was captain? almost sure i saw him with the yellow armband?

[Maroon 7]

I saw a few mins of this game, am I right in saying DOD was captain? almost sure i saw him with the yellow armband?

He was captain. He's captain again tonight against Hibs.

Big responsibility on him as his central defensive partner is only 18.

[Junior]

I was up at the game last night.

Yes, O'Dea was captain, played CB with 18 year old Josh Thompson. Darren is probably the only member of the Celtic squad right now who looks as though he could be capable of performing the roll of captain (though that is not really a compliment). He was very vocal and clearly marshalling his back four.

He did ok. He was up against Stokes for the most part and won almost everything in the air against him. On the ground Stokes looked dangerous, he has great movement and although he only had a few half chances apart from his goal, I was always worried when Hibs broke that he'd get a sniff.

As for Stokes goal, I think you could certainly apportion blame to O'Dea and Boruc, the latter flapping at a corner only a couple of yards from his goal line and the former giving Stokes acres of space to nod home.

Interestingly, Stokes and O'Dea had a couple of very minor altercations, handbag stuff really but they didnt come across as friends of the international scene:) to be expected I suppose in a competitive fixture. Stokes took offence to a very strong but fair challenge by O'Dea and they squared up (Stokes had a kick out at O'Dea, not the first time Ive seen him do that in a game) but they quickly got on with the game and the ref saw nothing it seems.

O'Dea had a goal chalked off from a set piece. Not entirely sure whether it was offside or an infringement but again showed he can be dangerous in front of goal (Good positioning geysir;))

Then the crushing blow (for me at least). Celtic, including O'Dea had pushed on for the winner and Hibs broke away. The two Celtic defenders were having a little chat on the half way line, meanwhile Stokes had peeled away, gathered the ball and drove on to the Celtic box, the ball eventually made its way out to the Hibs sub who slotted it away (Im sure it looked offside but havent seen it since).

In summary, some positives to take from O'Deas performance and 4th start on the trot. Though he did play a crucial part in Hibs first goal and will be disappointed (understatement) to not at least ensure his team got a point.

On a side note, Liam Miller had a great game for Hibs. He played wide right in a midfield three. Lots of work rate, double covered McGeady (who was poor for me, the first 15 minutes apart) all night, pinged some lovely passes around and was a very attacking force for them. Didnt see him make too many tackles but plenty of harrying and applying of pressure on the Celtic midfield.

[geysir]

I think it was an offside Samaras who infringed by getting involved just before O'Dea poked it into the net.
No doubt about it, O'Dea is a confident lad, if he develops his ability he has the makings of a very good centre half.

[Eirambler]

I was up at the game last night.

Yes, O'Dea was captain, played CB with 18 year old Josh Thompson. Darren is probably the only member of the Celtic squad right now who looks as though he could be capable of performing the roll of captain (though that is not really a compliment). He was very vocal and clearly marshalling his back four.

He did ok. He was up against Stokes for the most part and won almost everything in the air against him. On the ground Stokes looked dangerous, he has great movement and although he only had a few half chances apart from his goal, I was always worried when Hibs broke that he'd get a sniff.

As for Stokes goal, I think you could certainly apportion blame to O'Dea and Boruc, the latter flapping at a corner only a couple of yards from his goal line and the former giving Stokes acres of space to nod home.

Interestingly, Stokes and O'Dea had a couple of very minor altercations, handbag stuff really but they didnt come across as friends of the international scene:) to be expected I suppose in a competitive fixture. Stokes took offence to a very strong but fair challenge by O'Dea and they squared up (Stokes had a kick out at O'Dea, not the first time Ive seen him do that in a game) but they quickly got on with the game and the ref saw nothing it seems.

O'Dea had a goal chalked off from a set piece. Not entirely sure whether it was offside or an infringement but again showed he can be dangerous in front of goal (Good positioning geysir;))

Then the crushing blow (for me at least). Celtic, including O'Dea had pushed on for the winner and Hibs broke away. The two Celtic defenders were having a little chat on the half way line, meanwhile Stokes had peeled away, gathered the ball and drove on to the Celtic box, the ball eventually made its way out to the Hibs sub who slotted it away (Im sure it looked offside but havent seen it since).

In summary, some positives to take from O'Deas performance and 4th start on the trot. Though he did play a crucial part in Hibs first goal and will be disappointed (understatement) to not at least ensure his team got a point.

On a side note, Liam Miller had a great game for Hibs. He played wide right in a midfield three. Lots of work rate, double covered McGeady (who was poor for me, the first 15 minutes apart) all night, pinged some lovely passes around and was a very attacking force for them. Didnt see him make too many tackles but plenty of harrying and applying of pressure on the Celtic midfield.


The Stokes/O'Dea incident was interesting alright. You rarely see that between two Irish international teammates, albeit they're both fringe players at the moment, but hopefully there's nothing deeper in it.

Miller looked extremely impressive yet again, I don't know if he really would fit in to Trap's system though, he works well in that midfield 3 that hibs play, McBride holds and gives him freedom to roam. Back to his Celtic best this season though.

Stokes looks a class ahead of every other SPL striker right now, still very young, he could have a big future in the game when (not if) he gets a second crack at a big club. Hibs will do well to hold on to him past the end of the season, but he's on a 3 year contract so they'll make a few quid.

Also, not really relevant to this thread but the sub (Galbraith) was a good two yards onside for the goal. The dive by Celtic's Korean lad that led to the counter attack for the winning goal was ridiculous, but the look on his face when he got up and realised what he'd caused was hilarious. Highlights are on the BBC website for anyone in the UK.

[Junior]

O'Dea was pushed out to LB on Saturday against Hamilton (New Guy Hooiveld played on the left side of CB with Josh Thompson playing on the right of Centre.). He was captain again and did fine. Hamilton didnt offer much of an attacking threat to be honest and I cant recall O'Dea having too much to deal with.

Interestingly, Celtic have brought in Leftback, Edson Braafheid on Loan from Bayern Munich, obviously with a view to replacing Danny Fox who went to Burnley. As posted elsewhere on the forum Celtic are still being linked with CB's, St-Ledger (unlikely to happen because of price) and Real Mallorca's Ivan Ramis (around £2m I think).

So whilst O'Dea is Mowbrays choice as captain it looks like he will still have his work cut out to get a regular starting spot once all the newbies are bedded in to the club.

[seanfhear]

It is interesting that Mowbray is giving him the captaincy.

[Colbert Report]

I don't know why Celtic got rid of Danny Fox. Doesn't make any sense, he was playing great for them.

[Acornvilla]

they made a decent profit off selling him i guess thats why

[Razors left peg]

I don't know why Celtic got rid of Danny Fox. Doesn't make any sense, he was playing great for them.

I thought he was just ok, wasnt upset to see him move on.Although I dont know much about his replacement from Bayern Munich

[Acornvilla]

but if hes at munich he must be good enough for spl..
looking at him on wiki he seems to be a very good left back by the dutch league standards o hes certianly good enough for celtic and byern have good options in left back spo not suprised he left.
5 caps for the Dutch national team

[Colbert Report]

Danny Fox was bought for 1.5 million pounds.

Sold six months later for 1.8 million.

[geysir]

He was good enough for Celtic and Celtic only made a nominal profit. That puts more weight onto rumours that Fox just did not settle and wanted a move.
No hard feelings, that's part of life.

[Colbert Report]

Didn't settle? He asked to be called up to the Scotland squad!

[Razors left peg]

but if hes at munich he must be good enough for spl..
looking at him on wiki he seems to be a very good left back by the dutch league standards o hes certianly good enough for celtic and byern have good options in left back spo not suprised he left.
5 caps for the Dutch national team

Dijmi Traore was good enough to be left back for Liverpool but I still wouldnt have wanted him for Celtic :)

[geysir]

Didn't settle? He asked to be called up to the Scotland squad!

Since when does a player call the shots and ask to be called up?

So what if he has declared for Scotland, doesn't mean he is comfortable with mingling around the natives.

Maybe he wants to play in the EPL. Maybe he has gambling debts, or a girlfriend or both.

[Junior]

I think it was purely a financial decision. Fox has shown he is a decent enough LB (not superb by any stretch). Whilst Celtic have not made a significant profit but they gained £1.8m in cash which was needed to help fund the recent transfers/loan signings. Mowbray has not been quiet in January you may have noticed! The decision might have been made easier for Mowbray if Fox hadnt 'settled' but I dont know if thats the case.

Mowbrays January signings

Loan
Keane (Though this is rumoured to have been funded by Dermot Desmond)
Kamara
Braafheid

Signed
Paul Slane
Rasmussen
Rogne
Hooieveld


Obviously St-Ledger never arrived and the deal for Ramis fell through late on, apparently his personal terms increased dramatically late in the day and Celtic walked away.

Good news for O'Dea.

[backstothewall]

I don't know why Celtic got rid of Danny Fox. Doesn't make any sense, he was playing great for them.

At the risk of talking about Celtic in a O'Dea thread, Charlie Mulgrew at Aberdeen is Celtic nuts, playing well, and his contract is up in the summer, Mowbray might have taken a profit on Fox, brought in this guy from Bayern for a few months cover, and have signed a pre-contract agreement with Mulgrew. Mulgrew can also operate in midfield so even if the Dutch lad is brilliant he can sign them both.

McManus going and not being replaced has to be a great thing for O'Dea. Things look much brighter for him now than when he was farmed out to Reading a few months ago. Excellent news

[Junior]

Darren didnt even make the bench tonight? Im not aware of any injury or suspension, so its a bit surprising.

Naylor played LB. Loovens and Hooieveld played CB. None of them played particularly well. Brown came on as a LB towards the end (Caddis had already come on as RB). Thompson came on for Hooieveld who pulled a hammy. 3 Defender substitutions and O'Dea nowhere to be seen.........

[Acornvilla]

on the bright side that showing means he will be back in the team next week

[boovidge]

Was sent off late on against Aberdeen. The Celtic defence was shocking.

[Carrigaline]

Was sent off late on against Aberdeen. The Celtic defence was shocking.
Yep, I watched that game. He (and his colleagues) had an absolute stinker.

[FarBeag]

Don’t think O'Dea will make it to be honest. If he was good enough he would have his place cemented at Celtic by now. It’s a shame but I had high hopes for this lad a few years back.

[the doc]

Don’t think O'Dea will make it to be honest. If he was good enough he would have his place cemented at Celtic by now. It’s a shame but I had high hopes for this lad a few years back.

Celtic will sign St Ledger in the summer, will it be to replace Loovens or O'Dea?

[Acornvilla]

could replace both the way there playing