O’Dea: Morelos gets more rough treatment than he dishes out
DARREN O’DEA loves a scrap with Alfredo Morelos but insists the Rangers striker gets kicked more than he kicks out.
The Irishman enjoyed a physical battle with the Colombian during Dundee’s 4-0 defeat at Ibrox in midweek.
Morelos has been sent off four times this term and earned a reputation as a hot-head frontman. But O’Dea – who spoke to the ref after being left on the deck following a firsthalf challenge from Morelos – backed the South American.
The ex-Celtic stopper played down his incident with Morelos and said: “I went down but it was just a bit of fun – I kicked Morelos and he kicked me. He gets kicked a lot so it’s only fair he kicks out the odd time.
“He’s up for a scrap and gets a name for going over the top but probably takes more punishment than he gives out.
“I’ve no issues with him. I like that side of the game and I’ve kicked him before and he gave me one back so that’s fine. He’s a good player and I enjoy facing him. He’s physical and likes the rough and tumble.”
Jim McIntyre’s side slipped back into the relegation play-off spot after their Ibrox loss, with Hamilton winning at Aberdeen. Dundee now have tough backto-back home games against Hearts and Celtic before a huge clash at bottom side St Mirren.
O’Dea said: “It’s a mini league between us, St Mirren and Hamilton. It was a good result for Hamilton in midweek but I’m not fussed about other teams because ultimately if we don’t win games it won’t matter.”