Killen and O'Dea (right) are on the fringes of the Celtic first team

Defender Darren O'Dea has signed a new three-year deal with Celtic but joined Reading on loan until January.

The Ireland Under-21 international has made more than 30 starts for Celtic.

"It's obviously great to sign a new deal but it's more important that I get out now and play football," the 22-year-old O'Dea told the club website.

Meanwhile, Celtic striker Chris Killen is wanted on loan by a number of English Championship clubs, including Coventry and Bristol City.

However, the 27-year-old is likely to leave only if manager Tony Mowbray can sign another forward before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.

O'Dea came through the ranks at Celtic Park and is determined to use his loan spell in England to gain more first-team experience.

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"This is a massive chance for me to go and play for a good club like Reading and prove my worth and then come back here and obviously try and do the same here," he added.

"Brendan Rodgers, who is the manager at Reading, had tried to get me when he was at Watford, and I know a lot about him. I've spoken to him and he's a great manager.

"I also know a couple of the Irish lads down there as well and they've had nothing but good things to say."

New Zealand international Killen, whom Mowbray signed for Hibernian from Oldham in January 2006, spent a frustrating loan spell at Norwich City in the second half of last season.

But he impressed the new Celtic manager in the pre-season match against Brisbane Roar, scoring twice in a 3-0 win.

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