Strach unconcerned over Naka

Bhoys chief expects midfielder to stay

Last updated: 1st December 2008

Shunsuke Nakamura Kilmarnock Celtic CIS Insurance Cup Quarter Final

Nakamura: Linked with move

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Celtic boss Gordon Strachan is confident his side's European exit will not have any effect on Shunsuke Nakamura's future.

Nakamura has been strongly linked with a move away from Parkhead when the transfer window reopens in January.

The Japanese midfielder, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is believed to be interested in a move back to his homeland with Yokohama Marinos thought to be weighing up a bid for his services.

Strachan is keen to keep Nakamura until the end of the season and he insists the 30-year-old is happy with life in Glasgow.

"I don't think the fact we are no longer in Europe alters things one little bit in respect of Naka," Strachan told the Glasgow Evening Times.

"You have never seen a happier man than him in training."

Strachan accepts Nakamura finds it difficult being away from his family and he is full of praise for how the player conducts himself.

"We would all like to be beside our family, and I don't know if I could do what he does. I don't know if I could live without my family. But he does it," added Strachan.