Darren O’Dea thanks Peter Lawwell for allowing him to leave Celtic

Irish international Darren O'Dea has left Celtic after talks with Peter Lawwell.SNS Group

Darren O’Dea has expressed his gratitude to Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell after allowing him to leave the club.

The SPL champions had the option to extend the Irishman’s deal at Parkhead but after spending the last two seasons on loan at Ipswich Town and Leeds United, the player was keen on a fresh start.

Speaking from Ireland’s Euro 2012 training camp, the 25-year-old says he’s focused on winning a deal elsewhere after the tournament.

"I'm very happy," O'Dea told the Scottish Sun.

"I spoke to Peter Lawwell and fair play to him. I've been leaving for long enough and it was about time it was official.

"Fair play to Peter for cutting ties. It lets me get on with my career; this has been happening for the last two and a half years anyway.

"I've had a great time at Celtic and have a lot of friends there so it was important for me that I left properly. He's done that and given me the chance to do that, so I've nothing but admiration for the club and I wish them all the best."

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