New loan signing Darren O’Dea says he that once he knew of Town’s interest in him he had no hesitation in making the move to Portman Road. The Irish international has joined the Blues from Celtic until January.

The 23-year-old said: “Once I knew of the interest it was just a matter of getting it done. My main aim is to get in the squad for Saturday and any chance I get from there I’ll take. My full focus is on helping this team up the league.”

O’Dea, who spent time with Reading last season, says he will be out to show Town what he can do in the next few months: “At Reading I wanted to do that with a return to Celtic in mind. Now my aim is to as well as I can at Ipswich and let other teams take care of themselves.

“There have been massive changes at Celtic with the manager bringing in a number of players who I would expect him to favour to play. I’m hungry and I want to play every week and the only club I want to impress is Ipswich.”

Photo: Action Images

Ampthillblue added 15:51 - Aug 19 Good lad
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cthulhu added 15:51 - Aug 19 I guess it's a fair swap as far as the terrace songs go....out goes Pablo, and in comes "O'deaaaa, O'dea, O'dea, O'dea, Darren, Daaarrennnn...."
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groovyASH added 15:52 - Aug 19 Nice words there mate, turn them into action on the pitch and you'll be a welcome addition to our defensive ranks.
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danny1981 added 15:53 - Aug 19 Sounds like he might want to stay past January to me. Hope he comes in and does well, but not at the expense of Smith's development. Welcome to PR
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TRUEBLUE1974 added 15:54 - Aug 19 nice to see a decent pro wanting to move for some game time instead of money grabing , saying the right things at moment
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Upbeat~ added 16:03 - Aug 19 Good stuff! He was hardly going to show a negative attitude in the press conference but still, sounds like the kind of guy I want around the club. Nothing wrong with healthy competition and if he could also slot into right back (if the time calls during the season) then happy days!
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olimar added 16:04 - Aug 19 What player doesnt "say the right things" when he signs for a new club?
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Dale added 16:05 - Aug 19 What? No "the manager is wonderful, it's a big club that deserve to be promoted, the training facilities is great"?
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Frase1987 added 16:09 - Aug 19 What player doesnt "say the right things" when he signs for a new club? ------------- mario balotelli, within 1 day of being there: - "i miss italy and would have rather stayed" - "gimme your shirt number it's my favourite"
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jas0999 added 16:10 - Aug 19 Looking forward to seeing what this guy can do. No news on a striker?
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mickeyjb added 16:11 - Aug 19 Can he score goals ?
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jollyroger added 16:21 - Aug 19 no striker/ strikers in yet hey darren can you play up front
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brad548ye added 16:23 - Aug 19 I've no idea how good this player is or not and best of luck to him while he's with us but I can't help thinking that unless Keane has decided to himself that Tommy Smith isn't up to it and isn't ever likely to be up to it then this will hinder Smith's development in favour of developing another player for another team.
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slowerball added 16:26 - Aug 19 No hesitation.... and no place at Celtic. Let's see what this bhoy is about. I see him as cover for Delaney with Smith & Mc our two best options at centre half... but we do need cover, so sensible to get him in until Jan, when Delaney will be at full fitness.
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WadzillaBhoy added 16:44 - Aug 19 This Bhoy is good, would be a welcome addition... we should really make this permanent
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good_at_COD added 16:47 - Aug 19 Just another journeyman. If he's not good enough for Celtic, who are hardly world beaters, why should he be good enough for us?
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Hugoagogo added 16:48 - Aug 19 @brad548ye The fact that it's a loan till January probably suggests that Keane wants him around while Delaney gets back to fitness and Smith gets a chance for a well needed rest after World Cup duties, so that he doesn't end up injured too. But even you're right that Keane doesn't rate Tommy, if O'Dea is better and available and also still pretty young, what's the worry?

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Redmond added 16:52 - Aug 19 Good to see him wanting to play, lets prove it on the pitch
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dubblue added 16:55 - Aug 19 Yes probably needed as cover until Delaney is fit, but hopefully his enthusiasm will produce results on the pitch and a more permanent arrangement can be agreed in January. Now can he play up front.......
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Marcus added 17:22 - Aug 19 Although all players are unique I do wonder why Smith needs extra rest when other WC players who play in the Championship don't. Still there are some questionmarks about Smith such as the number of times be turns his back on the ball and having another experienced player around can only benefit him. As far as seeing him as cover I think the football should do the talking and the 11 best fit players should start any game. If O'Dea shines then he'll be higher up the pecking order. If he turns out to be average then other players will be above him - I think it's a bit too early to presume either conclusion. As far as personal development goes it could be best for Smith to rest a while to avoid burn out. I'm guessing he returned to training a bit jaded and Keane thought that he needed more rest however the 'players dropping like skittles' situation has meant he couldn't rest him for a bit.

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Barhamblue added 17:29 - Aug 19 I like the young man's enthusiasm. Welcome aboard Darren. Tommy you better be on your toes matey!
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Mark added 17:38 - Aug 19 He does sound enthusiastic, although his place should by no means be guaranteed with Smith/Delaney at left centre back and Kennedy/O'Connor at left back. I hope he doesn't block Smith or O'Connor's development. Big question: is there a chance we can sign him permanently, or are we just developing him for Celtic?
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PimsNumber1 added 18:31 - Aug 19 O Dea will be a regular until Delaney is fit, and maybe signed after that. He is better than smith and eastman. Smith is well overrated. Too slow and cumbersome with a turning circle greater than the Titanic. also as someone pointed out turns his back on attackers and backs off too much. He isnt good enough and probably never will be. O dea will be like another Fullop , straight in to replace substandard players already here.

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brogansnose added 19:16 - Aug 19 Certainly singing the song and hopefully a wellcome addition. Viva la Keano revolucion.
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Back_The_Boss added 19:46 - Aug 19 At least he is not a money grabber like many in football these days. Show us all what you have got
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