- Darren O’Dea backs Rangers to win the Premiership despite strong Celtic ties.
- He credits tactical shift to direct, two-striker system as decisive factor.
- Falkirk comeback convinced him Rangers can handle pressure and sustain momentum.
Former Celtic defender Darren O’Dea has tipped Rangers to overthrow his old side’s dominance and win the Premiership title this season.
O’Dea came through the Celtic youth system and featured 70 times for their first team.
He netted six goals, including a decisive goal against Rangers in the 2009 League Cup final.
The former Republic of Ireland centre-half also spent six years coaching within Celtic’s youth setup.
Darren O’Dea backs Rangers to topple Celtic
Despite his deep-rooted affiliation with the East End club, he backed their Old Firm rivals for the title over both Celtic and league leaders Hearts.
Speaking on The Breakdown Podcast with hosts Charlie Mulgrew and ex-Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson, he was asked who he thought would win the title.
“It’s hard because you’ve got your heart and your head,” he explained.
If you put a gun to my head, I’d say Rangers.”
Falkirk win makes up defender’s mind
He went into detail over how the previous matchday made up his mind, with Danny Rohl’s side coming from two down to win 6-3 over John McGlynn’s Bairns.
“The Falkirk game with Rangers struggling in the first half I think they just found a way
They’ve landed on what way they’re going to go is, they’ll play two up front and play direct and I don’t think teams will deal with that.
“I think it’s so effective.”
Read Rangers analysis
For O’Dea, loyalty and logic appear to be pulling in different directions but it is the latter that ultimately shapes his call.
While his ties to Celtic remain strong, the former defender’s assessment comes from the eye test – what he is witnessing on the field.
Rangers, in his view, have stumbled upon a system that is both clear and difficult to counter, with a more direct, two-pronged attack giving them a decisive edge at a crucial stage of the season.
If that approach continues to yield results, particularly in high-pressure moments like their comeback against Falkirk, then O’Dea’s prediction may carry significant weight.
Rangers now face five games described by Rohl as “cup finals,” including two away trips to both Celtic Park and Tynecastle.
Win both, and they will have one hand on the trophy.
