Darren O’Dea

[drummerboy]

I've been following the career of Darren O’Dea, since he made his debut in the CIS Cup against St Mirren. With every game he has played he has become more and more impressive. What he lacks in speed he makes up for in the way he reads the game. Surely its time for a full international call dup. One thing for sure, when we get a real manager, Darren is going to be a fixture in the Irish team for many years to come. Surely a future captain. Think he would make a decent partnership now with Dunne.

[drinkfeckarse]

Very composed defender for such a young age. To play well under 2 high pressure situations against Milan says a lot and there's no doubt that he has a big future if he continues his progress.

My only worry would be that Celtic have 6 good centre halves when all fit and there's not much to seperate most of them. I was disappointed when Strachan went and got Pressley because I felt that was the perfect oportunity to go with O'Dea after his early promise. Still he's played a lot more games this season than he would have imagined so it bodes well.

[Collyontour]

I thought he played really well last night. Hope it goes well for him

[Dr. Ogba]

Agreed....Very impressed with him last night, looked a real cool customer on the ball and made some timely interceptions aswell. I think in a few years time himself and McShane could make a great CB partnership...

[shakermaker1982]

looks like O'Brien gets pushed further down the pecking order....!!!!

[as_i_say]

think the jury is very much still out on mcshane-good performance against the czechs but you could argue that he was 50% responsible for the goal we conceded against them and those marvellous san marinoites.

needs to be tested in the premiership-you could argue that O'dea has played more games at a higher level already. dont see why he should not be in the welsh squad

[drummerboy]

What really impresses me about O'Dea is that he is an organiser and talker. Something Ireland have been missing since Kenny Cunningham retired. The same could be said of McShane, however he is at present playing his football at right full.

[youngirish]

I read somewhere that O'Dea can also play at left back. If true play him there instead of JOS with McShane and Dunne in the center.

[tetsujin1979]

He played at left full for a spell in the reserves, but prefers centre half. I really don't think he has the pace for a full back. Mind you, neither does Harte.

[NeilMcD]

Get him the sqaud anyway and yeah could be an option and left full.

[tetsujin1979]

Posted on the celtic mailing list:

Darren O'Dea has been the find of the Champions League. He looked like a
seasoned pro last night - absolutely superb in terms of his decision
making and execution.

His gradual introduction to the first team has worked a treat so far -
hopefully it can continue, and Strachan can pick and choose the games
that he plays. I'd say he's got a fair chance of starting on Sunday with
Pressley.

The last young defender I can remember to look so assured at this level
was Vincent Kompany. I think he was valued at something like €8m.

[gspain]

Strachan called him MOTM last night. He does look the real deal.

[eirebhoy]

Can't be just a coincidence that after conceding 9 goals in 3 away games they keep a clean sheet when O'Dea plays. It was great to hear Davie Provan say O'Dea was shouting at Lennon to tell him to take up a player and also giving a mouth full to Naylor. He played a few friendlies against Newcaslte, Roma and others 3 years ago so it's suprising he just turned 20.

[as_i_say]

i wonder has stan even bothered to look at him or send someone to look at him. this lad cannot be ignored from now on.

[eirebhoy]

Someone said that Stan asked Strachan about him and Strachan said he wasn't ready. That wouldn't suprise me at all but he can't keep that excuse up for long.

[citizenerased]

He was well impressive last night, particularly how unfazed, and confident he was for such a big game. I dont think stan will call him up though..

Why the hell doesnt Stan goe and wathc games..what is he playing at??

[tetsujin1979]

Why the hell doesnt Stan goe and wathc games..what is he playing at??

It's been pointed out before on this forum that Stan does attend games.

[kingdom hoop]

It's been pointed out before on this forum that Stan does attend games.

maybe the cameramen dont pick him out, he's probably not in the VIP area

i enjoyed o'deas performance last night. dont think he would have left kaka go past him as lamely as mcmanus did for the goal. unfortunately he'll probably lose his place to two more established players in mcmanus and pressley, but i dont see a reason not to call him up on the back of two very composed games against milan.

[elroy]

He was well impressive last night, particularly how unfazed, and confident he was for such a big game. I dont think stan will call him up though..

Why the hell doesnt Stan goe and wathc games..what is he playing at??

He cant choose to ignore him much longer, we dont exactly have loads of options in defence. Did anyone see all the celtic game last night, how was mcgeady? From what i saw of it, milan outplayed celtic and had them on the backfoot for most of it.

[eirebhoy]

He cant choose to ignore him much longer, we dont exactly have loads of options in defence. Did anyone see all the celtic game last night, how was mcgeady? From what i saw of it, milan outplayed celtic and had them on the backfoot for most of it.

http://foot.ie/showthread.php?t=41499&page=27

Confident is the best description I can make of McGeady last night after the many times he bottled it previously.