Nakamura in friendly fire

Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura is set to play in a friendly against Angola later this month against the wishes of his club.

Hoops manager Gordon Strachan is unhappy Nakamura is being called up for the match in Tokyo because it is just three days before their Old Firm encounter with Rangers at Parkhead on November 19.

But Japanese Football Association president Saburo Kawabuchi told the Scottish Express: “All the European-based players have told us they want to come and play in the friendly against Angola.

“Our preparations for the World Cup are coming along really well and our midfield players, especially Shunsuke Nakamura, all look fit and sharp now.

“It is important we keep that going and although some of the European clubs have asked for their players to be left out we feel that we need to call up our strongest available squad for this game.

“I have discussed things with our national coach, Zico, and we have agreed that is going to be the case because there are so few opportunities for the team to get together between now and the World Cup finals.”