Celtic clicked into gear overnight as they tumped MLS side DC United 4-0 in the first game of their US tour.
It was a performance full of positives as Brendan Rodgers’ men put on a show in the American capital.
Matt O’Riley’s first-half brace put the Bhoys in the comfort zone at the break as Mikey Johnston and James Forrest got in on the act in the second 45.
Rodgers was pleased with several aspects of his team’s performance but admitted that he ensured they couldn’t make any excuses due to the poor pitch.
“Some of the football on a really difficult surface was exceptional”, he said (Celtic FC on YouTube).
“I told the players to show people how technically good they are. It’s like I said when we played Kilmarnock there on the astroturf pitch when we won the title – no excuses.
“The way they coped with the ball and their technique allowed us to play forwards and it was really impressive.
“It’s been a hard week, they’ve put in a lot of work in the heat but to come and finish the week in that fashion and to score the goals we did was another step for us.”
Next up for Celtic over in the States is a clash with English Premier League champions Manchester City.
The midweek match-up will be a totally different test for the Hoops than what their first three pre-season friendlies have been.
Kick-off is at midnight on Wednesday, with the game stretching into the early hours of the morning. Fans can watch it on Celtic TV.
