Darren O'Dea announced as new Dundee captain

Dundee captain Darren O'Dea at full time. Picture: SNS

Keep up to date with all our sport news on The Scotsman’s Sport page on Facebook

The former Celtic centre-back performed the role on a part-time basis while regular skipper James McPake was out battling a long-term knee injury.

But with McPake still no closer to a top-team return, new Dark Blues boss Neil McCann has decided O’Dea should take on the armband permanently.

Youngster Cammy Kerr, meanwhile, has been appointed the club’s vice captain.

O’Dea said: “It’s a great honour for me, one of the highlights of my career. I’d like to thank the gaffer for making me captain.

“My role won’t change too much as I’ve always had responsibility in the team anyway. We already have a couple of leaders in the dressing room and part of my role will be to bring out more leaders while also helping Cammy and the other younger players.”

Right-back Kerr, 21, has racked up almost 60 appearances for Dundee and O’Dea reckons he is the ideal man to act as his deputy, saying: “I’m delighted for Cammy to be made vice-captain, he deserves it after the progression he has made over the last 18 months.”

McPake will now concentrate on his own rehabilitation and believes the decision to name O’Dea captain was the right one.

Posting on Twitter, he said: “It’s always an honour to be a club captain and I’ve enjoyed that role at Dundee.

“It’s the right decision for the club and I’m delighted Darren is captain. I’m also delighted for Cammy as well, someone who loves the club so much.

“I’m still trying to get my knee right to be able to train properly and eventually play for this club again.”