O’Dea: It’s time a few of us stood up

For one seen mainly as an understudy, Darren O’Dea has featured in a few big productions on the international stage.

Not easy nights, by any means, but ones which certainly worked out alright in the end — think Moscow and Astana for a start.

Now, with Richard Dunne and Sean St Ledger both unavailable, the FC Toronto man must step up to the plate again, partnering John O’Shea in the heart of an Irish defence which can expect to be asked some searching questions by Germany at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night.