Source: FOOTYMAD
New Bhoy out to impress
Australian fans will get the first chance to pass judgement on Adam Mathews and he does not want to disappoint Adam Matthews is relishing the opportunity to show fans what the new recruit is capable of while on Celtic's pre-season tour of Australia. The trip includes games against Central Coast Mariners, Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory and the full-back is expecting a big support from the ex-pat fans Down Under. Mathews signed a pre-contract agreement while still at Cardiff in February and met up with his new team-mates at training for the first time this week. 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. I'm just looking forward to playing in front of them and showing them what I can do. We have three hard games, which will be good for us and will get us ready for the season. The sports scientists will be there so I'm sure we will do everything right and we will be ready when the season starts." After being recruited by Neil Lennon, Mathews was pleased to hear of the extended contract for the manager. He admitted Lennon being in charge was the main reason behind his decision to join the Hoops. Matthews said: "He was a big part of me joining the club. I spoke to him and he seemed like he wanted me here and I liked the way he spoke about football. It's a great help for me because he is the one who wanted me to come here. If a new manager had come in, I would have to prove myself again so I'm very happy that he is staying." Lennon knows that the new contract can end if he does not add the SPL title to the glittering prizes in the new season. However, Matthews does not believe this sword of Damocles has added to the pressure on the playing squad. He added: "Celtic always have the pressure of competing for the title. They came so close last year so hopefully we can go one step further and win the league. There is no extra pressure - it's just the same every season. 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. But I think we have got the squad to do it this year and I'm looking forward to it."
