Nakamura signing a real boost: Lennon

CELTIC captain Neil Lennon has welcomed the signing of Japan star Shunsuke Nakamura as the morale boost the Hoops were looking for as they prepare for the first leg of their Champions League qualifier against Artmedia Bratislava.

After days of speculation, the midfielder has signed a three-year deal subject to a medical and a successful application for a work permit, both of which are expected to be formalities.

Nakamura missed the trip to Slovakia and will also be ineligible for the return leg but Lennon waxed lyrical about the latest addition to Celtic’s squad.

He said: “It’s a wonderful signing and I’m sure he will create a lot of interest in the far east. It just shows you the pulling power that the club still has. I think it will give the squad a real boost and I’m looking forward to him coming.”

Lennon took over the captain’s armband from Jackie McNamara who left for Wolves in the summer and will lead the side out for the first time in a competitive game in Bratislava.

But the veteran midfielder’s thoughts are predominantly on helping his side win through to the next qualifying round.

He said: “I’m looking forward to my first competitive game as captain. I’ve done it three or four times in pre-season and I’m quite enjoying the role. But the most important thing is to get a result against what is a decent Slovakian side.

“I don’t know much about them but they won their last game 4-1 so we know it’s going to be a difficult game for us. It’s out first competitive game so we’re going to try and hit the ground running.”

Aiden McGeady, meanwhile, is looking for a convincing win in Bratislava despite some unconvincing performances in pre-season. Celtic failed to win any of their four friendly matches against

Fulham, Leicester, Sporting Lisbon and Leeds United.

But McGeady said: “Pre-season has been interesting. We’ve been mixing the team a bit and in the last game against Leeds it was more or less youngsters who played and it was good experience for them.

“But the other games have been mix and match, I think the manager is trying to find the right balance. But I wouldn’t settle for a draw in Slovakia, definitely not. I’d settle for a win.”