Dean Smith’s Norwich City side were unable to keep the unbeaten run in the sixth of seven pre-season fixtures, as Celtic put two past the Canaries either side of half time.
“It was a great game for us at this stage of pre-season. Celtic are a very good technical team with lots of great movement, who made it really difficult for us at times.
“I thought we defended really well, although our use of the ball could be a little bit better. Neither goalkeeper was really worked that much, but the tempo that they played at meant our players were having to match that, even without the ball.”
Smith was forced to make a half time substitution at the back as Grant Hanley went down injured after a knock just before half time.
"I thought we gave ourselves the problems, giving the ball away a little bit too cheaply. All in all, it was grand, apart from Grant who’s got a contact injury, but he’ll pull through. Andrew’s got 90 minutes under his belt now as well, so we’re getting to where we need to be for Cardiff.
The club announced the departure of Pierre Lees-Melou yesterday, as well as Christos Tzolis’ loan move to FC Twente.
The head coach said: “Pierre made it clear he wanted to play at the top level as long as he could and he got offered a deal that was favourable to both our club and him, so he’s moved on with our blessing. Christos has gone to go and get game time at FC Twente, hopefully he goes and builds his confidence up and becomes a better player for us.
City head to Edinburgh tomorrow for part two of the double header in Scotland, where they take on Hibernian FC.
“It'll be a much changed team tomorrow, we’ve had to bring a few of the young players up but it’ll be a great test again, and that’s why I wanted these games. I wanted the players to be tested against good teams and we have been. That will hold us in really good stead going into the Cardiff game.”
Watch the full post-match interview exclusively from Canaries TV here.