Dean Smith in Celtic confession as Angeball leaves Norwich City boss purring over Hatate and Co

Impressed Norwich City boss Dean Smith has lavished praise on razor-sharp Celtic and claimed they're a "Premier League team in the making."

The former Aston Villa boss admits the hosts posed his Canaries a series of issues during the 2-0 win for Ange Postecoglou 's side. But Smith was pleased Norwich stood tough amid the onslaught from the Premiership champions, as Daizen Maeda and David Turnbull found the net in either half.

Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate earned acclaim for his display, as the Japanese star produced a series of killer through balls coupled with a host of key interceptions. Norwich appeared unable to keep up with the pace set by Postecoglou's charges for long spells of the encounter.

Speaking to Norwich City's official website, an unbowed Smith said: “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.

“Celtic are a good level team, You can see what they have been working on. They have good rotation and movement, full-backs coming inside and the wide players drift onto the outside and try to give overloads in different parts of the pitch. They have really good movement too.

“They are probably a Premier League team in the making. A real test because of the way they play, they have really good technicians of the ball and play at speed. I’m happy with it.”

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