Darren O'Dea
Encyclopedia
Darren O'Dea [pronounced dah-renh-oh-dee] (born 4 February 1987 in Dublin, Ireland
) is an Irish
footballer who currently plays as a centre back for English Football League Championship
club Leeds United
after joining on a loan deal from Celtic
. O'Dea has represented his country at under-21 level and at senior level
. With Ireland he was part of the team that secured qualification for UEFA Euro 2012.
O'Dea started his career with Celtic
and broke into the first team in 2006. He has won the Scottish Premier League
twice and both the Scottish Cup
and Scottish League Cup
once. Since 2009 he has not been in Celtic's first team and has been loaned out to Championship
sides, Reading
, Ipswich Town
and Leeds United
.
before being signed by Celtic as a teenager. After making his way through the reserves and academy side, he made his first team debut for Celtic in the Scottish League Cup
against St. Mirren
in September 2006. He made his first League appearance two months later as a substitute against Inverness Caledonian Thistle
.
He made his first league starting appearance against Dunfermline Athletic
in December 2006, just four days after making his Champions League
debut against Copenhagen
as a substitute, replacing the injured Stephen McManus
.
He scored his first goal for Celtic against Dundee United
on 26 December 2006. He followed that with a goal on 2 January 2007, against Kilmarnock
.
O'Dea played an important role for Celtic in the 2006–07 season. He played more than 10 games and received an SPL
winner's medal. His most notable performance was in the UEFA Champions League
Last 16 tie against AC Milan
in the San Siro
. Celtic held Milan before Kaká
scored an extra time goal for Milan. After the game, Paolo Maldini
praised the young central defender's performance. He impressed manager Gordon Strachan
enough to be awarded a new three-year contract, with the option of a further year on 13 March 2007.
On 15 March 2009, O'Dea scored in the Scottish League Cup Final
victory over Old Firm
rivals Rangers with a header 90 seconds into extra time before Aiden McGeady
's last minute penalty made it a 2–0 win.
O'Dea returned to Celtic from a loan period with Reading in January 2010 and was restored to the starting line-up, starting all five games that month. He was appointed as stand-in captain after Stephen McManus
went on loan to Middlesbrough
and Gary Caldwell
left for Wigan
.
side Reading
on loan until 1 January 2010 after being signed by Brendan Rodgers
, but not before signing a three-year contract extension with Celtic. He made his debut for the Royals on 12 September in a home draw against Doncaster Rovers
. O'Dea revealed he had settled in well at Reading. However, he soon found himself on the bench as Reading fought a relegation battle. However O'Dea returned to Celtic in the January transfer window after his loan spell expired and regained his place in the Celtic side under Tony Mowbray
then Neil Lennon
.
on a five-month loan deal after he was signed by manager Roy Keane
. After the sacking of Keane, O'Dea was left wondering if his loan would be renewed under the new manager. The deal was later extended to the end of the season under new manager Paul Jewell
. O'Dea put in a man of the match performance in Ipswich's win against Premier League side Arsenal
in the league cup. After talk of a permanent move to Ipswich Town, O'Dea revealed that he wanted to return to Celtic as he was determined to make an impact at the club. He revealed after his loan spell ended he wanted to be part of Celtic's starting 11 or he would be looking to move on if regular football wasn't guaranteed.
. On 1 August, O'Dea revealed that his future lies away from Celtic after failing to earn a place in the first 11 at the start of the 2011–12
season. Manager Neil Lennon
revealed he felt the loan move to Leeds United
was a good move for O'Dea to get regular football. On 4 August, O'Dea officially joined Championship club Leeds United on a season long loan. O'Dea was given his usual number 48 shirt for the forthcoming season, and later revealed that he had a trial for the club as a 13 year old. On the opening day of the season, O'Dea made his debut for Leeds in the 3–1 defeat against Southampton
playing at left back. O'Dea missed the League Cup game against Bradford City due to his call up for Republic of Ireland. After an injury to Leigh Bromby
, O'Dea played in his favoured centre back position against Hull City
.
O'Dea scored his first goal for Leeds on 18 October in the 1–1 draw at Elland Road against Coventry City
. O'Dea scored his second goal in consecutive games in the season when he scored a dramatic late winner against Peterborough United
in a 3–2 win, Luciano Becchio
claimed the goal but it was credited to O'Dea as his volley was judged to have crossed the line. O'Dea's error against Cardiff City
led to a goal from Cardiff's Joe Mason
, O'Dea was later subbed after complaining of eyesight problems due to a previous head injury.
teams. He was called up to the full international squad
within 12 months.
He was called up to the Irish under 21 international squad by manager Don Givens
on 3 March 2007 and served as team captain. However less than a week later he was named in the full international squad for Ireland's UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying Group D matches on 24 March and 28 March.
On 13 May 2008, O'Dea was called into Giovanni Trapattoni
's first squad as Ireland manager and was then called into the squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 8 matches against Bulgaria
and Italy
.
On 8 September 2009, he made his debut for the senior side in the 1–0 win against South Africa
in a friendly
after coming on as a substitute for Paul McShane
in the second half. He earned a recall to the squad for friendlies against Paraguay
and Algeria
at the end of May. During the Algeria match, he made his second appearance when he came on as an early substitute for the injured John O'Shea
and helped keep a clean sheet in a 3–0 win.
He earned his tenth cap for Ireland, coming on as a second half substitute against Croatia on 10 August 2011. On 6 September that year, O'Dea started alongside Richard Dunne
in the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group B
match against Russia
, a match which ended 0-0.
where he played alongside former Wolves youngster Aidan Lyons and played for Home Farm
, based in his hometown Dublin, at schoolboy level alongside fellow Irish
underage internationals Owen Garvan
, Shane Supple
and Chris McCann
. In 2003, O'Dea chose to continue his career in Scotland
with Celtic
, ignoring the advances of Premier League sides Aston Villa
, Manchester City
and Liverpool
.
In 2006 O'Dea met and formed a relationship with Melissa Chung. The couple had a daughter, Lucia Isabella O'Dea in December 2010 and in June 2011.
In 2010, a wannabe gangsta threatened to shoot him in the kneecaps during a row in a nightclub because his girlfriend was flirting with O'Dea.
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
) is an Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
footballer who currently plays as a centre back for English Football League Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
club Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
after joining on a loan deal from Celtic
Celtic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
. O'Dea has represented his country at under-21 level and at senior level
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
. With Ireland he was part of the team that secured qualification for UEFA Euro 2012.
O'Dea started his career with Celtic
Celtic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
and broke into the first team in 2006. He has won the Scottish Premier League
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
twice and both the Scottish Cup
Scottish Cup
The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup,, commonly known as the Scottish Cup or the William Hill Scottish Cup for sponsorship purposes, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football. It is a knockout cup competition run by and named after the Scottish Football Association.The...
and Scottish League Cup
Scottish League Cup
The Scottish League Cup is a football competition open to all Scottish Football League and Scottish Premier League clubs. At present it is also known as the Scottish Communities League Cup owing to the sponsorship deal in place with the Scottish Government. In the past it has been sponsored by...
once. Since 2009 he has not been in Celtic's first team and has been loaned out to Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
sides, Reading
Reading F.C.
Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
, Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
and Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
.
Celtic
O'Dea started playing for Home FarmHome Farm F.C.
Home Farm Football Club is an Irish football club based in Whitehall, Dublin. Originally founded in 1928, the club joined the League of Ireland in 1972 after merging with Drumcondra. Following this merger they were briefly known as Home Farm Drumcondra...
before being signed by Celtic as a teenager. After making his way through the reserves and academy side, he made his first team debut for Celtic in the Scottish League Cup
Scottish League Cup
The Scottish League Cup is a football competition open to all Scottish Football League and Scottish Premier League clubs. At present it is also known as the Scottish Communities League Cup owing to the sponsorship deal in place with the Scottish Government. In the past it has been sponsored by...
against St. Mirren
St. Mirren F.C.
St Mirren Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Paisley, Renfrewshire who play in the Scottish Premier League, having been promoted from the First Division in 2005–06.St...
in September 2006. He made his first League appearance two months later as a substitute against Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club are a Scottish football club from Inverness who compete in the Scottish Premier League. They are currently managed by Terry Butcher and assistant manager Maurice Malpas...
.
He made his first league starting appearance against Dunfermline Athletic
Dunfermline Athletic F.C.
Dunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They currently compete in the Scottish Premier League....
in December 2006, just four days after making his Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
debut against Copenhagen
F.C. Copenhagen
F.C. Copenhagen is a professional Danish football club in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is part of the Parken Sport & Entertainment....
as a substitute, replacing the injured Stephen McManus
Stephen McManus
Stephen McManus is a Scottish footballer who currently plays as a centre back for Middlesbrough. McManus was club captain of Celtic from 2007 until his move to Middlesbrough....
.
He scored his first goal for Celtic against Dundee United
Dundee United F.C.
Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, the club changed to the present name in 1923...
on 26 December 2006. He followed that with a goal on 2 January 2007, against Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock F.C.
Kilmarnock Football Club is a Scottish football team based in the town of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. Founded in 1869, "Killie" is the oldest club currently in the Scottish Premier League. Home matches are played at Rugby Park...
.
O'Dea played an important role for Celtic in the 2006–07 season. He played more than 10 games and received an SPL
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
winner's medal. His most notable performance was in the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
Last 16 tie against AC Milan
A.C. Milan
Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to as A.C. Milan or simply Milan , is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, that plays in the Serie A. Milan was founded in 1899 by English lace-maker Herbert Kilpin and businessman Alfred Edwards among others...
in the San Siro
San Siro
The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, originally and commonly referred to as the San Siro because of its location, officially given its current name on 3 March 1980, is a football stadium located in the San Siro district in Milan, Italy. It is the home of both A.C. Milan and F.C. Internazionale Milano...
. Celtic held Milan before Kaká
Kaká
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite , commonly known as Kaká , is a Brazilian football attacking midfielder who currently plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team. Kaká started his footballing career at the age of eight, when he began playing for a local club...
scored an extra time goal for Milan. After the game, Paolo Maldini
Paolo Maldini
Paolo Cesare Maldini is an Italian former footballer who played as a left or central defender. He spent all 25 seasons of his career at Serie A club Milan, before retiring at the age of 41 in 2009, becoming a symbol and a legend of the club...
praised the young central defender's performance. He impressed manager Gordon Strachan
Gordon Strachan
Gordon David Strachan OBE is a Scottish football manager and former player. He is currently without a club, having last managed Middlesbrough. Strachan played for Dundee, Aberdeen, Manchester United, Leeds United and Coventry City, as well as the Scotland national team. Prior to Middlesbrough,...
enough to be awarded a new three-year contract, with the option of a further year on 13 March 2007.
On 15 March 2009, O'Dea scored in the Scottish League Cup Final
2009 Scottish League Cup Final
The 2009 Scottish League Cup Final was the final match of the 2008–09 Scottish League Cup, the 62nd season of the Scottish League Cup. The match was played at Hampden Park, Glasgow on 15 March 2009, and was won by Celtic, who beat Old Firm rivals and Cup holders, Rangers, 2-0 after extra...
victory over Old Firm
Old Firm
The Old Firm is a common collective name for the association football clubs Celtic and Rangers, both based in Glasgow, Scotland.The origin of the term is unclear. One theory has it that the expression derives from Celtic's first game in 1888, which was played against Rangers. However, author,...
rivals Rangers with a header 90 seconds into extra time before Aiden McGeady
Aiden McGeady
Aiden McGeady is a Scottish-born Irish footballer who currently plays as a winger for Russian club Spartak Moscow. Although born and brought up in Scotland, McGeady plays internationally for the Republic of Ireland, a country he qualifies for through his grandparents...
's last minute penalty made it a 2–0 win.
O'Dea returned to Celtic from a loan period with Reading in January 2010 and was restored to the starting line-up, starting all five games that month. He was appointed as stand-in captain after Stephen McManus
Stephen McManus
Stephen McManus is a Scottish footballer who currently plays as a centre back for Middlesbrough. McManus was club captain of Celtic from 2007 until his move to Middlesbrough....
went on loan to Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
and Gary Caldwell
Gary Caldwell
Gary Robert Caldwell is a Scottish footballer who is currently the captain of Wigan Athletic and also plays for the Scotland national football team....
left for Wigan
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
.
Reading loan
On 1 September 2009, O'Dea joined ChampionshipFootball League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
side Reading
Reading F.C.
Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
on loan until 1 January 2010 after being signed by Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers is a Northern Irish former footballer, who is currently the manager of Swansea City.After retiring as a footballer at the age of 20, Rodgers stayed at Reading and was appointed as youth team coach. He joined Chelsea, under the leadership of José Mourinho, as youth team manager in...
, but not before signing a three-year contract extension with Celtic. He made his debut for the Royals on 12 September in a home draw against Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers F.C.
Doncaster Rovers Football Club is an English football club, based at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The team currently competes in the Football League Championship, after being promoted via the League One play-offs in 2008, and have remained there since.The club was founded in...
. O'Dea revealed he had settled in well at Reading. However, he soon found himself on the bench as Reading fought a relegation battle. However O'Dea returned to Celtic in the January transfer window after his loan spell expired and regained his place in the Celtic side under Tony Mowbray
Tony Mowbray
Anthony Mark "Tony" Mowbray is an English former professional football player, who is currently the manager of Middlesbrough...
then Neil Lennon
Neil Lennon
Neil Francis Lennon is a former footballer from Northern Ireland. He is the current manager and former captain of Celtic....
.
Ipswich loan
On 17 August 2010, O'Dea joined Championship side Ipswich TownIpswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
on a five-month loan deal after he was signed by manager Roy Keane
Roy Keane
Roy Maurice Keane is an Irish former footballer and manager. In his 18-year playing career, he played for Cobh Ramblers in the League of Ireland, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United, before ending his career at Celtic in Scotland....
. After the sacking of Keane, O'Dea was left wondering if his loan would be renewed under the new manager. The deal was later extended to the end of the season under new manager Paul Jewell
Paul Jewell
Paul Steven Jewell is a former English footballer who is currently the manager of Ipswich Town.His playing career started with Liverpool before moving to Wigan Athletic and then a ten-year spell with Bradford City...
. O'Dea put in a man of the match performance in Ipswich's win against Premier League side Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
in the league cup. After talk of a permanent move to Ipswich Town, O'Dea revealed that he wanted to return to Celtic as he was determined to make an impact at the club. He revealed after his loan spell ended he wanted to be part of Celtic's starting 11 or he would be looking to move on if regular football wasn't guaranteed.
Leeds United loan
O'Dea confirmed he wanted regular football at Celtic to earn a regular place for IrelandRepublic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
. On 1 August, O'Dea revealed that his future lies away from Celtic after failing to earn a place in the first 11 at the start of the 2011–12
2011–12 Celtic F.C. season
The 2011–12 season is the 123rd season of competitive football by Celtic.- June :Several former youth academy players left during the month of June. The most notable being Paul McGowan who went to fellow Scottish Premier League side St. Mirren after his contract expired. Ryan Conroy was released by...
season. Manager Neil Lennon
Neil Lennon
Neil Francis Lennon is a former footballer from Northern Ireland. He is the current manager and former captain of Celtic....
revealed he felt the loan move to Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
was a good move for O'Dea to get regular football. On 4 August, O'Dea officially joined Championship club Leeds United on a season long loan. O'Dea was given his usual number 48 shirt for the forthcoming season, and later revealed that he had a trial for the club as a 13 year old. On the opening day of the season, O'Dea made his debut for Leeds in the 3–1 defeat against Southampton
Southampton F.C.
Southampton Football Club is an English football team, nicknamed The Saints, based in the city of Southampton, Hampshire. The club gained promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2010–2011 season after being relegated in 2009. Their home ground is the St Mary's Stadium, where the club...
playing at left back. O'Dea missed the League Cup game against Bradford City due to his call up for Republic of Ireland. After an injury to Leigh Bromby
Leigh Bromby
Leigh David Bromby is an English footballer who plays for Leeds United in The Championship of the English Football League. He can play as a Central Defender or Right Back or Left Back. He's the only player to have played 100 games for each of the steel city rivals Sheffield United and Sheffield...
, O'Dea played in his favoured centre back position against Hull City
Hull City A.F.C.
Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football...
.
O'Dea scored his first goal for Leeds on 18 October in the 1–1 draw at Elland Road against Coventry City
Coventry City F.C.
Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues owing to the traditional colour of their strip, are a professional English Football league club based in Coventry...
. O'Dea scored his second goal in consecutive games in the season when he scored a dramatic late winner against Peterborough United
Peterborough United F.C.
Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is...
in a 3–2 win, Luciano Becchio
Luciano Becchio
Luciano Héctor Becchio is an Argentine footballer who plays for Leeds United as a striker. Born in Córdoba, Argentina, Becchio began his career at Boca Juniors before moving to Europe on an Italian passport, where he established himself in the Spanish lower leagues.He moved to England in the...
claimed the goal but it was credited to O'Dea as his volley was judged to have crossed the line. O'Dea's error against Cardiff City
Cardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
led to a goal from Cardiff's Joe Mason
Joe Mason
Joseph "Joe" Mason is an Irish footballer who plays for Cardiff City as a striker.-Plymouth Argyle:Mason began his career as a youth player with home-town club Plymouth Argyle at the age of 10...
, O'Dea was later subbed after complaining of eyesight problems due to a previous head injury.
International career
O'Dea played for the Irish under-19 and under-21Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team
The Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team, is the national under-21 football team of the Republic of Ireland and is controlled by the Football Association of Ireland and competes in the biennial European Under-21 Football Championship and has competed since 1978.-Competition...
teams. He was called up to the full international squad
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
within 12 months.
He was called up to the Irish under 21 international squad by manager Don Givens
Don Givens
Daniel Joseph "Don" Givens is a football player and coach, and former Republic of Ireland U21 team manager...
on 3 March 2007 and served as team captain. However less than a week later he was named in the full international squad for Ireland's UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying Group D matches on 24 March and 28 March.
On 13 May 2008, O'Dea was called into Giovanni Trapattoni
Giovanni Trapattoni
Giovanni Trapattoni , sometimes known as "Trap" or "Il Trap", is an Italian football coach and former player, considered the most successful club coach in the history of Serie A. As a player he was part of Italy's squad at the 1962 FIFA World Cup....
's first squad as Ireland manager and was then called into the squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 8 matches against Bulgaria
Bulgaria national football team
The FIFA Bulgaria national football team is an association football team fielded by the Bulgarian Football Union, a member association of UEFA. The team's home ground is Vasil Levski in Sofia and Luboslav Penev is in charge manager after replacement of Lothar Matthäus...
and Italy
Italy national football team
The Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
.
On 8 September 2009, he made his debut for the senior side in the 1–0 win against South Africa
South Africa national football team
The South Africa national football team represents South Africa in association football and is controlled by the South African Football Association, the governing body for football in South Africa. South Africa's home ground is Soccer City, known as FNB Stadium due to a naming rights deal, in...
in a friendly
Exhibition game
An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition...
after coming on as a substitute for Paul McShane
Paul McShane
Paul David McShane is an Irish footballer who plays for Hull City and the Republic of Ireland national team as a defender.McShane won the 2003 FA Youth Cup with Manchester United...
in the second half. He earned a recall to the squad for friendlies against Paraguay
Paraguay national football team
The Paraguay national football team is controlled by the Paraguayan Football Association and represents Paraguay in men's international football competitions. The team has reached the second round of the World Cup on four occasions . The 2010 trip also featured their first appearance in the...
and Algeria
Algeria national football team
The Algeria national football team , nicknamed الأفنــاك, Les Fennecs , represents Algeria in association football and is controlled by the Fédération Algérienne de Football. Algeria's home ground is the Stade 5 Juillet 1962 in Algiers and their head coach is Vahid Halilhodžić.Algeria has qualified...
at the end of May. During the Algeria match, he made his second appearance when he came on as an early substitute for the injured John O'Shea
John O'Shea
John O'Shea can refer to:*John O'Shea, Irish footballer with Sunderland*John O'Shea , New Zealand film director*John O'Shea *John O'Shea , Wales international rugby union footballer*John O'Shea...
and helped keep a clean sheet in a 3–0 win.
He earned his tenth cap for Ireland, coming on as a second half substitute against Croatia on 10 August 2011. On 6 September that year, O'Dea started alongside Richard Dunne
Richard Dunne
Richard Patrick Dunne is an Irish footballer who plays as a defender for Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland national football team. With Ireland he was a member of the 2002 FIFA World Cup squad and helped his team qualify for UEFA Euro 2012.Dunne began his professional career at Everton...
in the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group B
UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group B
This page shows the standings and results for Group B of the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying tournament.-Standings:- Results and fixtures :...
match against Russia
Russia national football team
The Russia national football team represents Russia in association football and is controlled by the Russian Football Union , the governing body for football in Russia. Russia's home grounds are Luzhniki Stadium, Lokomotiv Stadium , and Petrovsky Stadium in St.Petersburg and their head coach is...
, a match which ended 0-0.
Honours
CelticCeltic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
- Scottish Premier LeagueScottish Premier LeagueThe Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
2006–07, 2007–08 - Scottish League CupScottish League CupThe Scottish League Cup is a football competition open to all Scottish Football League and Scottish Premier League clubs. At present it is also known as the Scottish Communities League Cup owing to the sponsorship deal in place with the Scottish Government. In the past it has been sponsored by...
2008–09 - Scottish CupScottish CupThe Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup,, commonly known as the Scottish Cup or the William Hill Scottish Cup for sponsorship purposes, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football. It is a knockout cup competition run by and named after the Scottish Football Association.The...
2007-08
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | Cup | League Cup | Europe | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
| Celtic Celtic F.C. Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the... |
Scottish Premier League Scottish Premier League The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland... |
2005–06 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2006–07 | 14 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 21 | 3 | ||
| 2007–08 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 0 | ||
| 2008–09 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 16 | 2 | ||
| Reading Reading F.C. Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship... (loan) |
Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... |
2009–10 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| 8 | 0 | |||||||||||
| Celtic Celtic F.C. Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the... |
Scottish Premier League Scottish Premier League The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland... |
2009–10 | 19 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 23 | 1 |
| Ipswich Town Ipswich Town F.C. Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02.... (loan) |
Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... |
2010–11 | 20 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||||
| 25 | 0 | |||||||||||
| Leeds United (loan) | Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... |
2011–12 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ||||
| 17 | 2 | |||||||||||
| Career Total | 92 | 6 | 10 | 1 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 119 | 8 | ||
Personal life
O'Dea attended St Aloysius' College, Glasgow, having attended Clonkeen CollegeClonkeen College
Clonkeen College is a Christian Brothers secondary school for boys in south Dublin, which opened in 1965. Clonkeen College has approximately 550 students and 30 staff. Dom Twomey has been the principal since 2008...
where he played alongside former Wolves youngster Aidan Lyons and played for Home Farm
Home Farm F.C.
Home Farm Football Club is an Irish football club based in Whitehall, Dublin. Originally founded in 1928, the club joined the League of Ireland in 1972 after merging with Drumcondra. Following this merger they were briefly known as Home Farm Drumcondra...
, based in his hometown Dublin, at schoolboy level alongside fellow Irish
Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team
The Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team, is the national under-21 football team of the Republic of Ireland and is controlled by the Football Association of Ireland and competes in the biennial European Under-21 Football Championship and has competed since 1978.-Competition...
underage internationals Owen Garvan
Owen Garvan
Owen Garvan is an Irish footballer who currently plays for Crystal Palace and the Republic of Ireland U21s. He previously played for the Irish schoolboy team Home Farm, before moving to England to join Ipswich Town...
, Shane Supple
Shane Supple
Shane Supple is an Irish sportsman. He plays Gaelic football with the Dublin senior football team and with his home club St Brigids, in Castleknock...
and Chris McCann
Chris McCann (footballer)
Christopher John "Chris" McCann is an Irish footballer currently playing for Burnley.- Burnley :Brought over to Lancashire from the Irish club Home Farm, Chris progressed through the youth system at Burnley, and made his senior debut in the 2005–06 season, coming onto the pitch as an early...
. In 2003, O'Dea chose to continue his career in Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
with Celtic
Celtic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
, ignoring the advances of Premier League sides Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
, Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
and Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
.
In 2006 O'Dea met and formed a relationship with Melissa Chung. The couple had a daughter, Lucia Isabella O'Dea in December 2010 and in June 2011.
In 2010, a wannabe gangsta threatened to shoot him in the kneecaps during a row in a nightclub because his girlfriend was flirting with O'Dea.
External links
- Darren O'Dea profile Celtic FC