Source: Team_Talk
New Bhoy Adam aims to impress
ew recruit Adam Matthews is relishing the opportunity to show fans what he is capable of while on Celtic's pre-season tour of Australia.[LNB] The Hoops face Central Coast Mariners, Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory during the trip and the full-back is expecting a big support from the Hoops fans based Down Under.[LNB]The 19-year-old signed a pre-contract agreement with the Glasgow giants while still at Cardiff in February and met up with his new team-mates at training for the first time this week.[LNB]Looking ahead to the Australian tour, Matthews said: "It will be good to interact with the boys and we have plenty of fans over there so I'm sure we will be well-supported.[LNB]"I'm just looking forward to playing in front of them and showing them what I can do.[LNB]"We have three hard games, which will be good for us and will get us ready for the season.[LNB]"The sports scientists will be there so I'm sure we will do everything right and we will be ready when the season starts."[LNB]Meanwhile, Matthews has welcomed news of Neil Lennon's new deal after admitting the Celtic boss was the main reason behind his decision to join the Hoops.[LNB]He is thrilled that any uncertainty has been removed from Lennon's own situation after the Northern Irishman was handed an improved 12-month rolling contract earlier this week.[LNB]Matthews said: "He was a big part of me joining the club.[LNB]"I spoke to him and he seemed like he wanted me here and I liked the way he spoke about football.[LNB]"It's a great help for me because he is the one who wanted me to come here.[LNB]"If a new manager had come in, I would have to prove myself again so I'm very happy that he is staying."[LNB]Celtic lost out on the SPL title to rivals Rangers by a single point last season in what was Lennon's first full campaign at the helm.[LNB]He has been honest enough to concede that he could be looking for a new job if he does not deliver the silverware this time around.[LNB]But Matthews does not believe those comments have heaped any extra pressure on his players.[LNB]He added: "Celtic always have the pressure of competing for the title.[LNB]"They came so close last year so hopefully we can go one step further and win the league.[LNB]"There is no extra pressure - it's just the same every season.[LNB]"When I knew I was coming here, I watched as many games as I could last season and I thought in the end we were unlucky not to win the league.[LNB]"But I think we have got the squad to do it this year and I'm looking forward to it."
