Putting a Cork in it

WHEN Steve Staunton was faced with a defensive crisis for Saturday’s clash with Germany, one name hardly deemed worthy of a mention was Darren O’Dea.

With Paul McShane out through suspension, John O’Shea struggling through injury and late call-up Andy O’Brien withdrawing with a kidney problem, Irish defensive options were stretched.

The Celtic defender had been included in the senior squad for the Croke Park clash with Wales in March on the back of an excellent run of form at club level, so he should have been a live candidate.