Everything Matt O'Riley had to say in his post-match interview with Celtic TV after the Hoops' 1-0 friendly victory over Gamba Osaka...

How was it for you today?

It was tough and not just because of the weather as this pitch was bit more heavier than the first game. You will probably see it on camera that some of the boy's faces were a bit more tired after this game but that is understandable after a week of travel, just starting to get over the jetlag. It was a good test and both of the teams here in Japan played some really good football and made it difficult for us.

How much of a test has the trip been?

It has been unique, at least in my experience, playing against teams like this as you are usually playing against teams who are also trying to build their fitness. That has been a challenge as both side's fitness were high as they are halfway through their season. From a structural point of view, they have good team cohesion and understand each other well. The games have been tough and I think they will help us going into the season.

What have you made of the support in Japan?

It has been pretty cool. Even on the team walk before the game, we saw a full ferry of Celtic fans singing. I was so struck to see that but at the same time I wasn't because I know I am at Celtic and that is what you get here. I think it is really cool that we get this amount of fans worldwide.

Have Japanese boys enjoyed the trip?

They have been excited since we got here and we can see that. A lot of the team are considered idols and gods to quite a lot of fans but here we are pretty irrelevant. Your Daizen Maeda's, Kyogo Furuhashi's are looked at in awe. Whereas us we are tourists. That part has been cool, seeing them have the limelight and everyone else can relax and take it all in.

How do you feel going into the new season?

Really good. We are in a better place than the last game. I think the scoreline in the last match wasn't good enough but it was still early in pre-season. I am not making excuses but the boys had travelled a lot and we weren't as sharp. Today, though, we were really solid defensively and showed that by putting our bodies on the line in a pre-season game.

How has it felt working under the manager? Are you learning a lot?

I have been very lucky to work under two great managers in a short space of time so i am quite grateful to have worked with the calibre of manager I have at a young age. The gaffer is great at getting his point across in a concise way and that makes it easier for us to transition onto the pitch and being able to have a relationship with him where we can speak to each other and learn things constantly in an open environment. Thats quite enjoyable.