Nakamura eyes hoops return

Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura has announced he could make his long-awaited return to action against Stirling Albion next week.

The 29-year-old has been absent since late October but hopes to play in the Scottish Cup fourth-round tie against the bottom team in the Irn-Bru First Division on January 12.

He told the Evening Times: “I did some light ball work earlier this week, but I need to do more cardiovascular work to build up my stamina.

“While my stamina levels may have dropped, I haven’t forgotten how to kick the ball.

“I’m aiming to return for the Scottish Cup game against Stirling Albion a week tomorrow.”

Nakamura has been struggling since August with a knee ligament problem but is hoping rest and treatment will have cured him.

Meanwhile Celtic are expected to confirm a deal has been concluded with Sevilla for Andreas Hinkel.

The Germany international defender, 25, could make his debut against Stirling.

Reports in Germany claim Hinkel has agreed a three-and-a-half-year contract.

:: Celtic have announced the death of former director James Farrell, who was 86. Farrell was on the Hoops board for over 25 years, having become a director in 1965. He died this morning.