DARREN O’DEA was a winner the last time Celtic triumphed in a League Cup Final six years ago.
But the 2-0 extra-time success over Rangers failed to push the Hoops all the way to a Premier League title at the end of the campaign.
O’Dea and his Republic of Ireland team-mate Aiden McGeady netted the goals that dumped the Ibrox side at Hampden, but it didn’t derail Walter Smith’s team as they were later crowned champions.
So, the 28-year-old has told Ronny Deila’s men to enjoy their day against Dundee United at the national stadium.
But he also warned against the players losing their focus as they attempt to win only the club’s fourth domestic treble in their history.
O’Dea insisted: “I think the first bit of silverware is important and, of course, you always want to win a Final.
“We won the League Cup in 2009 and the expectation was that we would kick on and win the league, but it didn’t work out like that.
“I think you have to go out and enjoy the day, take in the whole experience, but it is also getting to that point in the season where there are still an awful lot of games to be played so you need to keep that in mind.
“The League Cup Final where I scored and Aiden netted a second is easily my best-ever game. I loved it – every second of it.
“So, I do think that you have to go out and drink it all in because you just never know if or when the chance will come around again.
“But, while getting your hands on the first trophy of the season does give you a lift, it doesn’t guarantee that it will all fall into place for you.”
O’Dea, who signed a short-term deal at Blackpool in December last year, added: “You have to remember that when you play for Celtic, teams always want to beat you.
“They lift their game and you have to be so consistent just to go and win the league.
“There is so much pressure on you at Celtic and you just cannot lose a game. Winning every competition takes some doing, that’s for sure.
“I’d love to see them do it. I am a Celtic fan, I am still in touch with a lot of the lads and I’d love to see them get their hands on everything.”
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