Nakamura passed for Celtic

Celtic playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura passed a late fitness test to face Bank of Scotland Premier League new boys Falkirk at Parkhead.

The Japanese international had been struggling with a thigh injury during the week, but proved he was ready for his second game for the Hoops where manager Gordon Strachan named an unchanged line-up.

Celtic defender Bobo Balde was also handed a starting place after his move to Marseille collapsed during the week.

Falkirk head coach John Hughes also had the luxury of an unchanged team after the win at Livingston last week.

Celtic: Boruc, Telfer, Balde, McManus, Camara, Petrov, Lennon, Thompson, Nakamura, Hartson, Zurawski. Subs: Marshall, Aliadiere, Beattie, McGeady, Maloney, Wallace, Virgo.

Falkirk: Glennon, Lawrie, Ireland, McPherson, Lima, O’Neil, Latapy, Steven Thomson, Rodrigues, Duffy, McBreen. Subs: Hill, MacKenzie, Andy Thomson, Milne, McSween, O Donnell, Gow.

Referee: A Freeland (Scotland)