Nakamura will return for Celtic in time for Inverness clash

Published on Monday 6 October 2008 17:28

Shunsuke Nakamura has reassured Celtic fans he will be back from international duty in time for their Clydesdale Bank Premier League trip to Inverness.

The midfielder joins up with the Japan squad this week and there had been concerns he would not return in time to prepare for the October 18 lunchtime clash at the Caledonian Stadium.

Nakamura's country play the United Arab Emirates in a friendly before facing Uzbekistan in a World Cup qualifier next Wednesday.

The player is planning to be back in Glasgow on the Thursday night and hopes to take part in training the following day.

"I will make it," he told the Evening Times. "The time difference will hopefully work in my favour and I am aiming to be back for training at Lennoxtown the day before the game.

"I expect to be available for Inverness. There is no reason why I should miss it. There is no reason for anyone to be concerned that I won't be back for it."

Recent reports have linked Nakamura with a January return to his homeland, with one of the reasons being the toll travelling back and forth is taking on the 30-year-old.

"I just have to get on with it," he said. "It is an honour to play for your country and an honour to play with Celtic.

"There are always a lot of games in a season but I am used to it. I enjoy playing football."