Shunsuke Nakamura has insisted he is fully prepared for the important title run-in.
Hoops midfielder set for title run-in
Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura has insisted he is fully prepared for the important title run-in.
The Hoops currently lead Old Firm rivals Rangers by two points at the top of the SPL table with both sides still in the two domestic cup competitions.
The 30-year-old played the full 90 minutes of the 0-0 draw at home to Rangers on Sunday just four days after he represented Japan in Yokohama in a vital World Cup qualifier against Australia.
The former Reggina ace plans to return to his homeland at the end of the season to play for Yokohama Marinos with the long-distance travelling to and from Asia finally taking its toll.
But Nakamura, a notoriously poor traveller, insists he is now fully recovered from his recent travel exertions and determined to win what would be his fourth consecutive league title in Scotland.
"We've played lots of games this season so far, but I am going to be prepared for the end of the season," he told the
Scottish Daily Express.
Improvement
The Japanese international also acknowledges that his team's performances must improve from the stalemate at Celtic Park at the weekend.
"We played well in the first half but they dominated the second half. We just couldn't pass the ball around well enough," he added.
"Everyone has to move more during the game. The first half was fine but we just didn't keep things tight enough in the second half and we have to modify that."
With Celtic and Rangers set to meet again in the Co-operative Insurance Cup final in mid-March, the first time the pair have met in a final in six years, Hoops striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is one player who is relishing the prospect.
"Everyone tells me that it will be a special atmosphere for this one and I can't wait," he said.
"There will be a good build-up to the game and I'm looking forward to taking it all in. I have played in one final for Celtic already, but never against Rangers.
"It is a one-off match with a trophy at stake and I hope we can make a little bit of history."
