Nakamura commits to Japan, Celtic despite injuries

GLAGOW, Scotland (AP) -Shunsuke Nakamura will play while injured to try and ensure Japan reaches the 2010 World Cup and help Celtic chase a domestic treble.

Despite recent groin and knee problems, the midfielder has made himself available for the World Cup qualifier against Australia in Yokohama on Feb. 11 - four days before Celtic's next Old Firm derby against Rangers.

"It would be better to have a week in Japan to prepare, but there's nothing I can do about it,'' Nakamura said. "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.''

Nakamura had been expected to sit out Saturday's Scottish Cup match with Dundee, but played the whole of the 2-1 victory. He is determined to keep Celtic five points ahead of Rangers in the Scottish Premier League by playing Saturday at Aberdeen.

"Celtic are fighting for the title, so I can't rest,'' Nakamura said. "My groin injury is not too painful.''