Naka to stay at Celtic

Shunsuke Nakamura says there is no reason why he would want to quit Celtic.

Shunsuke Nakamura says there is no reason why he would want to quit Celtic.

The midfielder has been dogged by rumours claiming he is unsettled at Parkhead.

He was linked with a move to Spain and only recently refuted rumours he was keen on a return to his native Japan.

But Nakamura - who is contracted to Celtic until 2008 - insists he has no intention of leaving the champions elect.

"I'm very happy at Celtic," he said.

"I have good players around me and, if I think I can go on improving, I would definitely stay.

"I've learned from the Champions League and I think we have a greater chance of going forward in that competition in the future.

"The fans also help the players to improve here."

Meanwhile, Celtic team-mates Lee Naylor and Aiden McGeady insist Nakamura should be crowned Scottish football's top player this season.

Nakamura has been shortlisted for the SPFA player of the year, along with Naylor and goalkeeper Artur Boruc, as well as Aberdeen's Russell Anderson.

The awards ceremony will be held at Glasgow's Thistle Hotel on 22nd April.