O’Dea delighted with new Celtic contract

DARREN O’DEA believes he can develop into a top-class centre-back and have a long career at Celtic after signing a new three-year contract.

The 20-year-old Irishman has been rewarded for his outstanding performances for Gordon Strachan’s side this season with a new deal taking him through until summer 2010.

With his future secured, ambitious O’Dea has set his sights on establishing himself as an automatic pick for the Celtic manager, who claims the youngster can have a 15-year career at the highest level.

O’Dea said: “I’m delighted but I’m in no way satisfied. I want to kick on from here. It’s a reward for the hard work I’ve done but I want to push on now and play in many more games for the club.

“It’s nice the club do value me but I want to kick on and push for the first team. I know I have a lot of quality ahead of me so it’s up to me to work as hard as I can. Playing in the games, such as AC Milan, helps you as a player but I still have a hell of a lot of growing to do.

“I learn from all the players, they are all top quality and every day in training and in every game I’m learning.”

O’Dea came into the side this season due to an injury crisis, but has not looked out of place. With Steven Pressley suspended, he faced AC Milan twice in the Champions League.

“Everything makes me want to stay here long term. Playing in front of 60,000 and nights like the one against AC Milan are superb,” he said.

“I like the club, I have a lot of friends here and have no intention of moving anywhere else. I want to push for the first team and a regular spot but I know there is a lot of quality ahead of me. It’ll be hard work but I’m willing to do that.”

Celtic manager Strachan has been impressed by O’Dea’s progress and predicts he can play on well into his thirties if he looks after himself.

Strachan said: “Centre-halves take a lot longer to learn their trade. Attacking instinct is a natural flair, defending is not natural as we don’t want to do that at school.

“If Darren goes about his job the right way and is professional then he can play like David Weir to 36 or Steven Pressley at 33. I think centre-halves, unless they are exceptional, are at their best between 29 and 34.

“It’s been a fantastic year for Darren. We realised he had something and to give him a real chance we decided he’d train with us all the time. That made it easier when he came into the first team as he was part of the squad.

“He benefited from when he got his chance. It’s amazing when a kid gets a bit of confidence how he can grow.

“We’re delighted with him.”