The duo arrived at Nottingham Forest in the close season, from Barcelona and Excelsior of Holland respectively, as part of a 'second wave' of signings who were not expected to challenge for a first team place immediately.
Veldwijk has been on the fringes of the main squad on a number of occasions already but scored again for the under-21's on Monday against Leeds and is adapting well to his new surroundings according to Gilligan who also praised the Dutchman for 'wanting to play' regularly.
Riera came to the City Ground after being released by Barcelona and with less senior football behind him, his signing on a free transfer being a gamble well worth taking by the Reds.
Gilligan again praised the attitude of the 19-year-old in adpating to a new way of life and a new footballing culture after spending many years with the Catalan giants.
Read more on both players at the Nottingham Post website.