Once labelled a "genius" by Gordon Strachan, Nakamura is set to win his 100th international cap in South Africa and his sublime left foot remains one of Japan's deadliest weapons.

After failing to make the squad for World Cup 2002, he left hometown club Yokohama Marinos for Reggina. He helped Japan to a second successive AFC Asian Cup crown, but his slight physique led to injuries aplenty in Italy and after several relegation battles, he chose to move on again - with Celtic boss Strachan snapping him up.

Nakamura's technique, set-piece ability and novelty value made him an instant hit with Hoops fans.

After a successful first season in Scotland, which ensured three starts under Zico at World Cup 2006, he became the first Japanese player to score in the Champions League when he netted a fine free-kick at Manchester United and repeated the feat in stunning fashion from 30 yards in the return game to take Celtic through to the knock-out stages.

Nakamura swept the individual awards board at the end of that season, and helped his club to a hat-trick of SPL titles the following year.

However, after a disappointing campaign in 2008/9, he upped sticks to Espanyol, only to find himself in and out of the team, so came full circle when he returned to Yokohama in February 2010 in a bid to rediscover his sharpness before the summer.

Nakamura only missed three games in Japan's World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign, during which he weighed in with three goals. He may not bring any pace or power to the Samurai Blue's right flank but they will need his experience and dead-ball prowess if they are to unexpectedly qualify from Group E on June 24 - when Nakamura celebrates his 32nd birthday.