Nakamura poised for return at Euro clash

Celtic playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura has told boss Gordon Strachan he will be fit to face Benfica next week.

A knee injury is expected to keep the Japan international sidelined until then but Nakamura, 29, is determined to be involved in the crucial Champions League clash at Parkhead.

Strachan said in the Evening Times: “Naka will be back to play against Benfica and that’s very good news. He’s a brave wee man and his attitude is terrific.”

Celtic have just three points from their opening three matches in their Group D campaign and are determined to win their two remaining home games to give themselves a chance of reaching the last 16.

Their 1-0 defeat to Benfica in Lisbon last week is followed by the home leg in Glasgow next Tuesday.

Nakamura first sustained the knee injury in Celtic’s Champions League qualifier against Spartak Moscow and has been unable to play a full part in the club’s season since.