Shunsuke Nakamura has been given the weekend off to prepare himself for Japan's game against Australia.
Hoops midfielder handed break ahead of Old Firm clash
Celtic have given midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura the weekend off to prepare himself for Japan's crucial World Cup qualifier against Australia.
The Hoops are hoping that by letting the 30-year-old report for international duty a day earlier the effects of jet-lag will be reduced so the player can return refreshed for next week's Old Firm clash.
Nakamura has struggled in the past with the long-haul flights involved when he represents his country and Gordon Strachan will be hoping the idea proves successful.
The Japanese international will miss the club's Homecoming Scottish Cup tie against Queens Park on Saturday due to the trip.
Grateful
"I'm grateful to be able to get in even a day earlier," he said on arrival in Tokyo.
"It gives me extra time to train and communicate with the team.
"Coming back this early gives me the opportunity to talk about tactics in detail with my team-mates and to make sure we're all on the same page."
The former Yokohama man will come up against team-mate Scott McDonald when the two countries meet on Wednesday and Nakamura believes the Aussies are favourites to win the match.
"Australia are above Japan in terms of ability," he added.
"But it's a must-win game for us. We will definitely need to be at our best to beat them."
