Central Coast Mariners midfielder Michael McGlinchey admits his time with Scottish giants Celtic was tougher than he first thought it would be.

The 23-year old New Zealand international, who has returned to Scotland on loan with Motherwell, has revealed that his stint with the Hoops which began in 2005, although it was a good experience, was a lot tougher than expected.

"I am glad of the time I had at Celtic. I worked under some great coaches and I am thankful for what they did for me, but I think I should have left a few years ago. I left when I was 22 - if I had got away at 20 I would have played more first-team games by now. I guess it was a brave decision and it worked out pretty well," McGlinchey said.

"At the time you do think you can make a name for yourself. You have guys like Tommy Burns and Martin O'Neill turning up at your door and making a fuss over you, then you think 'This might be different for me', but it is difficult. Celtic are constantly bringing players in and the boys you are competing with are all top players.

"Everybody needs an opportunity and I did not really get many chances. I got a wee sniff under Gordon Strachan, I got on the bench, but it is hard to stay there. It was not to be and I had to leave to further my career and that is what I am doing."

McGlinchey said that he decided to have another shot in Scotland mainly to keep himself fit and playing at a high level as he prepares to be selected for New Zealand's World Cup.

"The World Cup is massive," McGlinchey added. "I did not want to be sitting about for three months when my season finished, so I thought the best thing was to be in a football environment and be training and playing."