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Former Celtic coach Darren O’Dea will be involved in the Champions League proper this season after Slovan Bratislava secured their place in the competition. The Slovakian champions booked their ticket after overcoming Celje in a dramatic play-off tie on Wednesday, with O’Dea part of Yaya Toure’s coaching staff. Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Slovakia, Slovan travelled to Slovenia knowing their Champions League ambitions were on the line. Former Celtic target Andraz Sporar gave the visitors an early lead before Svit Seslar levelled for Celje, eventually sending the contest into extra-time. Cristian Martinez then struck what proved to be the decisive goal in the 100th minute, sealing Slovan’s progression and a place in Thursday’s Champions League draw. It marks another significant step in O’Dea’s coaching career following his departure from Celtic last summer. The Irishman previously served as the club’s Player Pathways Manager after the position was created for him, before leaving Glasgow to become Alan Sheehan’s assistant at Swansea City. He was subsequently replaced at Celtic by Shaun Maloney. O’Dea also played a part in taking Adam Idah from Celtic to Swansea in a £7million deal during his spell in South Wales. After leaving Swansea and spending several months working as a pundit in Scotland, O’Dea made a surprise return to coaching in June when he joined Slovan as assistant to former Manchester City midfielder Toure. Their European campaign has proved an impressive one. Slovan first negotiated a tie against Georgian side FC Iberia before eliminating Swedish champions Mjallby in the third qualifying round. They have now seen off Celje to reach the league phase, two years after Slovan themselves suffered a 5-1 defeat against Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic in the competition. HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below… NEW BOOK LAUNCH FROM CELTIC STAR BOOKS…Celtic in the Fifties in two volumes, available to pre-order now… Quick Tip – Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!