CALDWELL ON THE WAY OUT, AS O'DEA RETURN LOOMS​

The saga surrounding Gary Caldwell’s contract negotiations took another turn today, with French League side Nice stepping up their interest in the Scottish International.

Caldwell is holding out for a weekly wage that brings him in line with the rest of the first-teamers at Celtic Park, but the Bhoys are not keen to match his demands. As such, the likelihood of a departure for the player in the January transfer window increases with every passing week.

While interest from Burnley remains on the cards – gaffer Owen Coyle keen to unite Caldwell with his brother Stephen in the centre of defence – it is understood that Caldwell would not be averse to a move to the Continent. Nice boss Didier Olle-Nicolle is a reported admirer of the Scotsman, and is expected to make a move to bolster his side’s defence at the turn of the year.

Caldwell - imminent departure?​

While Celtic will be keen to cash in come January, as opposed to watching the defender walk away for free in the summer, Caldwell’s departure would leave a gap in a squad already under pressure after some woeful defensive lapses. As such, the impressive form of Darren O’Dea – on loan at Reading – may well see the young Irishman leap up the pecking order at Celtic Park.

O’Dea is highly thought of at Celtic, having signed a new three year deal in September. The reasoning behind a loan move to the Madejski was to ensure the player gained vital first team experience, and thus far it has been a move which has proved greatly beneficial to both club and player.

Republic of Ireland under-21 coach Don Givens has already seen evidence of the benefits of O’Dea’s Reading experience:
“He wasn’t getting a regular game at Celtic, so to continue his development, he needed football. I am delighted he got somewhere at a good level, and he is doing well. He is a good player and a good prospect. He has already achieved a lot and shown what he can do.”

O'Dea - making his mark down South.​

Promising words, from a man who has worked with O’Dea for some time now. Givens is a particular fan of the player’s professionalism, which he also believe will stand him in good stead, stating: “He will make a good living from the game because of his attitude. I work with young players and having the right attitude is vital. Darren is one of the ones with a great attitude.”

Finally, a word from the player himself, when he left for his loan move: “I feel this is the right thing for me to do now – to play first team football – and when I come back I never want to hear the word “experience” said to me again.”

A January departure for Caldwell could well see that particular dream come true for a young man with much to prove at Celtic Park.

DM