nakas taking treble chance

SHUNSUKE NAKAMURA is willing to play through the pain barrier to help Celtic shoot for their goal of the domestic Treble.

The midfield maestro astonished everyone at the club when he declared himself fit to face Dundee - just four days after a scan confirmed he had injured an adductor muscle the previous week.

It was a typically brave response from the Japanese star to the team meeting where a clean sweep of trophies was set as the Hoops' target.

Naka appeared to be inhibited in his movement against Dundee, but he saw out the 90 minutes and still managed to be one of Celtic's best players in their 2-1 Homecoming Scottish Cup win.

After a few days to recuperate, he is setting his sights on facing Aberdeen on Sunday and said: "Celtic are fighting for the title, so I can't rest. My groin injury is not too painful."

Naka's schedule over the next month includes a trip back to Yokohama to play for Japan against Australia in a World Cup qualifier on February 11.

He will line up against Celtic team-mate Scott McDonald in that match and, with Australia currently heading the group - from which two qualify for South Africa 2010 - by two points from Japan, it is sure to be a fiercely contested affair.

Parkhead boss Gordon Strachan can only hope both men emerge unscathed as Celtic face Rangers at home four days later.

Naka has already indicated the frequent long journeys are now taking their toll on him and said: "It would be better to have a week in Japan to prepare, but there's nothing I can do about it.

"It's exhausting to think about all the games for Celtic coming up before that. I'm only human and it's tough. I'm trying not to think about it.

"When you reach 30 you often get pain in the knees and ligaments. It's better to go to Japan with a positive attitude. It takes up a lot of energy, but I want to play."