Tony Philliskirk has hailed the club's trip to Bangladesh after the reserve side jetted back to the UK on Sunday following their tour to the country.

Latics played three games out in Asia, including one against the national under-23 side, and finished the tour with a record of two draws and one defeat.

The club were blazing a new trail as the first English professional club ever to visit Bangladesh, and all parties hailed the tour as a massive success following the players' return to the UK.

From a footballing point of view, Philliskirk was particularly pleased with his players' efforts in the subcontinent's traditionally-prohibitive climate.

All three matches were played in temperatures hitting the high thirties, with a reading of 39 degrees recorded during the second game in the coastal town of Sylhet.

The visit sparked huge media interest both in Bangladesh and beyond, with TV interviews with club officials and playes being beamed live to an incredible 130 countries around the world.

With the young players under a harsh media glare in an unfamiliar -- and very hot -- country, Philliskirk felt they conducted themselves brilliantly:

"We had a great time out there," he said.  "But it was hard work -- there were a lot of meetings and receptions, and lot of places for the lads to go to.  As the first professional team ever to visit the country, everyone wanted their time.

"The lads were smashing, though, and it was a fantastic bonding trip but the heat was unbelievable.

"I played in Asia a couple of times on tour with Sheffield United in the Eighties, but I can't remember it being that hot.  It was almost 40 degrees, but you've got 70 to 80 percent humidity with that as well. 

"If you stepped anywhere that wasn't air-conditioned you were covered in sweat straight away, and as a staff we had be sensible.

"For example, I was making changes after 20 minutes during the game against the national side in Sylhet.  One lung-busting run and it took you literally five minutes to catch your breath.

"We were playing men in open-age sides -- the top two teams in their national league -- including Argentinians, Nigerians and a number of footballers from other African nations.  We certainly weren't outdone football-wise, but it was physically tough.

"The lads should be applauded for everything they've done, on and off the pitch.  They were a credit to themselves and their families.

"The Bangladeshi football officials got a lot out of it, too -- they were very keen to gauge what our structure is and are desperate to get youth development off the ground over there.

"I'll keep in touch, and hopefully if they get the infrastructure right at a lower level they'll make progress, which is the most important thing."

Tony Philliskirk was speaking to Stu Vose on Latics World -- the club's exclusive online TV service.

The full interview is now available to view to subscribers -- click here to find out more about signing up. Subscriptions cost from just £3.99 per month.