Nakamura gives Celtic boost

Midfielder back from injury early for Killie clash

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 10th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Nakamura gives Celtic boost

Nakamura: Back earlier than expected

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Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura is ready to give manager Gordon Strachan a timely boost ahead of the Hoops' clash with Kilmarnock.

Nakamura, who injured his knee in an accidental training ground collision with first-team coach Neil Lennon last Thursday morning, was expected to be out for two weeks but could now feature in the SPL match on Wednesday.

The Japanese midfielder is keen to get some match action under his belt before his country's important World Cup qualifier against Qatar.

Nakamura has been receiving treatment at Celtic's training ground on a daily basis in order to get fit and the 30-year-old even told Strachan that he was willing to play last Saturday against Motherwell.

In the end Nakamura was not needed as Celtic ran out 2-0 winners but his quick return to fitness will be a major boost for his manager who already has a huge injury list to cope with.

Nakamura told the Evening Times: "I am not sure about the Kilmarnock game, but I really want to play in it.

"The injury is feeling better. I should be able to go to Qatar."

Gruelling

Once he is fit Nakamura faces a gruelling schedule as he would fly out after the Hamilton game and play the qualifier on November 19th and then fly back and play for Celtic on the 22nd against St Mirren.

Celtic will also be hoping that striker Scot McDonald returns from his long haul journey unscathed as the Australian looks to join up with his country for their World Cup qualifier against Bahrain.

Meanwhile Celtic defender Glenn Loovens is hoping to break into his national team.

The ex-Cardiff City defender, who joined Celtic in the summer for £2.5million, is hoping that competing for major honours will help him catch the eye of Dutch manager Bert van Marwijk.

He said: "I played international football up to Under-21 and playing for Celtic can get me into the Dutch squad. I want medals and Celtic have won their last three titles."