Matthews sees bright future

29 September 2012 13:39
Adam Matthews believes manager Neil Lennon is gathering together a core of young players who will form a very promising future for Celtic. The Hoops boss revealed on Thursday that the Parkhead club had begun talks with the Wales right-back and other players such as Victor Wanyama, Thomas Rogne, James Forrest, Charlie Mulgrew, and Gary Hooper, with regards extending and improving their current deals. The former Cardiff player, who signed for the Scottish champions in 2011, has pledged to sign a new contract if and when it is offered. And he claims that Lennon is fostering a spirit within the dressing room which means no one is in any rush to leave. "You can see by the players that he signed that he is try to sign a squad for the long term," said Matthews. "I think all the players seem really happy here. "They enjoy playing in front of the fans, like I do, so I can't see anyone going." Matthews is honest enough to admit that the prospect of Champions League football is a huge draw for the Parkhead club when they try to recruit players. Celtic are back in the competition for the first time in four years and travel to Russia tomorrow for Tuesday's Group G clash with Spartak Moscow. The 20-year-old made his debut in the competition in the home goalless draw against Benfica earlier in the month, which got the Hoops' campaign up and running. Matthews admits the atmosphere that night in the east end of Glasgow vindicated his decision to move north of the border and the Wales international is looking for more of the same. "The atmosphere against Benfica was probably one of the best - alongside and Old Firm game - that I have played in," he said. "It was great be a part of that so I am looking forward to the rest of the campaign. "The club is massive. Champions League is one of the main things, obviously. "Every player wants to play in the Champions League but I think even without it Celtic are a massive club. "The fans are brilliant, it is an honour to play in front of them every week so I am happy to stay here. "The club has been great to me and I really enjoy being here so if I am offered a new deal I will happily sign, definitely."

Source: team_talk