Darren O’Dea admits he played for Celtic with “limited ability”

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Darren O’Dea’s Celtic career saw him rake in several major trophies, but he insists he played for the club with “limited ability”.

O’Dea managed to spend six years at Parkhead between 2006 and 2012 in the senior side. However, he did only manage 59 appearances with the club. His best spell in Glasgow came under Gordon Strachan, with his finest moment coming when he headed home the opener against Rangers in the CIS Cup final in 2009.

Of course, the final few years of his Celtic tenure didn’t go as planned. Loan spells at the likes of Ipswich Town, Reading, and Leeds United saw him become a forgotten man at Parkhead.

Now, however, O’Dea is back in Glasgow as the club’s new under-18s coach. And speaking to the Celtic View (Volume 55, Issue 12, Page 34), the Irishman warned his youngsters that attitude plays a big part in being a success with the Hoops.

“The principles are still the same”

“I hear about a lot of changes, and a lot of society has changed, but the principles are still the same. All the young players here, and I’ve got to see them over the last number of days, they’re very, very talented. That’s why they are here.

“What will dictate whether they stay here, is their attitude. So, the principles are still the same as when I was here. I made a career and I was very fortunate to play at this club. I’ve no embarrassment in saying it was with limited ability, but my attitude and mentality were what carried me.

“They were things that were instilled in me at a very young age here in the Academy, and things that I still carry with me now. Maybe how you deal with people is slightly different nowadays, but the principles are the same.”

O’Dea’s honesty and humility will stand him in good stead

The former Dundee defender provides an incredibly honest assessment of his time at Celtic. Not many will argue with the fact he wasn’t the best technically, but he wore his heart on his sleeve.

O’Dea was more of a no-nonsense defender in his day. He certainly had a strong love for the club, and that showed in his performances. He’s spot on to big up his attitude at Parkhead, as that’s a big part of what kept him here so long.

Spreading that message to the youth players will be an important one for their mental state. Even if you aren’t the best technically, chances can still open up if you have the right mindset.

In a way, it’s perhaps one of the main reasons he fits so well into the under-18 role. He’s come through the Academy and knuckled down to earn his way up. He’s the right kind of figure to help spread the right message to the youngsters.

Tommy McIntyre and Stephen McManus’ development side have earned their stripes at O’Dea’s age group. A fine attitude seems to ripple through that squad. That’s something O’Dea will have to instill into the under-18s.

It’s going to be a big job for the Irishman at Lennoxtown, but one he’s clearly enthused about.