Blues boss Paul Jewell has paid tribute to defender Darren O’Dea, whose loan at Town from Celtic has been brought to an early end by the ankle injury he sustained at Swansea on Monday. The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international has been with the Blues since August, making 22 starts and three sub appearances.
Jewell said: "You would never think that he was a loan player because his commitment in training every day and when he plays is nothing short of terrific.
"He’s a central defender really, that’s his best position, but he’s been forced to play at left-back when he’s played.
"The likelihood is that Darren will go back to Celtic. He’ll certainly go back for the start of next season, I think he’s already been quoted as saying that.”
Meanwhile, former Blues boss Jim Magilton has written a blog for The Guardian on the difficult transition from player to manager.