Cowdenbeath FC - Portugal 2016

Excerpts from the interviews that were conducted with players earlier this evening can be found below...

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST THINGS YOU WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THE TRAINING CAMP?

DECLAN BYRNE: I feel I've gained a lot of fitness. It was great training in the good weather when we got it.

EUAN VALENTINE: I've loved the opportunity to be a part of Cowdenbeath Football Club. I've definitely improved my fitness and really enjoyed meeting the boys and other new people.

HARVEY SWANN: My fitness wasn't great... The trip has given me a chance to get that back and I feel fitter and stronger. I've enjoyed the convenience of having a gym on site and have made good use of that.

SHAUN DONOGHUE: I think my fitness has really improved and I've enjoyed the chance to spend time with and get to know my teammates much better.

WHAT DID YOU FIND TO BE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES WHILST PLAYING AGAINST PORTUGUESE OPPOSITION IN COMPARISON TO YOUR REGULAR SCOTTISH OPPONENTS?

DAVID MCKAY: I didn't find the game as physical as we are used to against Scottish teams. I found myself with space and time to 'zing' balls in to teammates further up the field. Really enjoyed getting on the scoresheet with a couple of goals as well!

JONNY CLEMENTS: Their style of play wasn't as physical as back home. The players were very athletic - extremely quick. Off the ball I found them a little more 'dirty' than we are used to.

LYLE KELLICHAN: The biggest difference for me was not being able to understand the other teams communication! Not being able to listen out for their messages and tactical plans.

WHAT PARTS OF YOUR TRIP STAND OUT AS BEING THE MOST ENJOYABLE?

INNES MURRAY: I enjoyed the chance to play against foreign opposition. Training has been great, as has the weather. Also, good banter with the rest of the boys!

KYLE MITCHELL: Spending so much time with my teammates and friends. I've enjoyed every minute - it's been amazing. Good experience!

MATTY GRAHAM: Double sessions are always good! Ice baths after training have been a great help. I've enjoyed the taste of full-time football.

HOW DISAPPOINTED ARE YOU AT NOT HAVING BEEN ABLE TO FULLY IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ALL ACTIVITIES OF THE TRIP SINCE YOUR INJURIES? (Jordan, Josh and Josh)

JORDAN LESLIE: I'm very disappointed... Watching everyone train and play whilst I watch from the sidelines has annoyed me!

JOSH THOMSON: Having to sit and watch everybody else training is hard. I haven't even been able to do any gym work! I'm glad I got the chance to play in a game against English opposition before getting hurt - even better that we got a good result and won 3-1!

JOSH WILSON: I've been in a bad mood since the moment the doctor told me it was broken! I got injured after going up for a header in the game against Aldershot. I landed wrong and broke my 5th metatarsal... I was looking forward to playing against foreign opposition in their home country.

This evening, players took the time to answer a few questions from local sports journalists and were asked about their experience in Portugal thus far. Stay tuned for a transcript of the interviews and read what the players had to say...

The results of players 'After Action' performance reviews for the game vs. CDR Quarteirense are in. Well done to Man of the Match David McKay.