Jack Hendry has been linked with moves to Celtic and Rangers, but O’Dea is hoping he’ll snub Parkhead and Ibrox.
Former Parkhead defender Darren O’Dea has explained why he does not want Dundee teammate Jack Hendry to leave for Celtic or Rangers.
Hendry has been linked with moves to Celtic and Rangers in recent weeks, and it is the Bhoys who are set to win the race for his signature, the Scottish Herald reported this week.
Dundee manager Neil McCann has told the Courier, however, that he is not expecting the 22-year-old to leave.
And O’Dea, who is being kept out of the Dee side by Hendry, certainly hopes that will be the case.
“Jack has been great since he came in. He has absolutely everything to be a top centre-back,” the Irishman told the Scottish Sun at the launch of Neapolitan pizza restaurant Mozza in Whitehall Street, Dundee.
“If he is desperate to improve and make himself a top player, then he will get there.
“The only thing that will hold Jack back is himself. You see plenty of players who throw everything away but I don’t think he will.
“I hope he is with Dundee for a long time to come. He is working under a manager in Neil McCann who is getting the best out of him and who has massive faith in Jack.
“The manager has given him responsibility, which I think he needs right now.
“With the skills he has he can move on and be a top player but there is still plenty more work that he has to do.”
Hendry, who was born in Glasgow and began his career at Partick Thistle, only returned to Scottish football from Wigan Athletic during the summer transfer window.
But the chance to play for one of the country’s top two clubs, Celtic and Rangers, could prove tough to turn down.
Hendry, who has also appeared for Shrewsbury Town and Milton Keynes Dons, was spotted at Celtic’s game against Anderlecht earlier this month.
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