Celtic make O’Dea a free man

Darren O’Dea got the news he was waiting for yesterday when Glasgow Celtic notified the player they are making him available as a free transfer.

The means that the centre-half, who finished last season on loan at Leeds United, should be a much more financially attractive proposition for other clubs than if Celtic had insisted on taking up another year’s option on his contract.

“I’m very happy,” O’Dea said yesterday. “I spoke to [chief executive] Peter Lawwell and, fair play to him, I’ve been leaving long enough and it was about time it was official. It was playing on my mind but fair play to Peter for cutting ties. It lets me get on with my career.

“I’ve had a great time at Celtic so it was important for me that I left properly. He’s given me the chance to do that so I’ve nothing but admiration for the club and I wish them the best.”