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Last Updated: Saturday, 13 May 2006, 13:16 GMT 14:16 UK
Smith pleased with Japanese trip
Scotland manager Walter Smith
Smith managed to beat Bulgaria and draw with Japan
Manager Walter Smith was happy with the 0-0 draw against Japan that earned Scotland a Kirin Cup triumph.

"I can't speak highly enough of the players," he told BBC Sport. "It's tough to come through two games in 48 hours but everyone worked hard.

"We defended well under pressure and Neil Alexander made a few good saves.

"We perhaps didn't play as well as we did to beat Bulgaria on Thursday but the players dug in and showed some welcome consistency."

Smith was without a host of key players for the tournament but several others made the most of the opportunity to impress the manager.

Kris Boyd and Chris Burke both scored twice on their debuts against Bulgaria on Thursday.

Wigan midfielders Lee McCulloch and Gary Teale did well, along with defenders Russell Anderson and Gary Caldwell, while Darren Fletcher was the star man in both games.

"Japan made changes and were fresh in front of a full house before going off to the World Cup," added Smith.

"I'm just pleased for everyone, we have our pride intact and we have taken a lot of positives from the trip."

SEE ALSO
Japan 0-0 Scotland
13 May 06 |  Internationals
Scotland 5-1 Bulgaria
11 May 06 |  Internationals


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