Nakamura still has faith in Celtic title hopes

Celtic's Japanese player Shunsuke Nakamura against Rangers during the Scottish Premier League football match at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow on March 29. Nakamura believes the Parkhead club can still retain their Scottish Premier League title if they beat arch-rivals Rangers in this season's two remaining Old Firm clashes.

Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura believes the Parkhead club can still retain their Scottish Premier League title if they beat arch-rivals Rangers in this season's two remaining Old Firm clashes.

Japan international Nakamura couldn't stop Rangers beating Celtic 1-0 at Ibrox last weekend as they opened up a six-point lead over their fiercest foes with a game in hand.

But both remaining derby clashes are at Celtic's Parkhead ground and Nakamura said: "We will never give up hope. We must now win both home games against Rangers.

"In fact, we have to win all the remaining 'cup finals' we face in the league this season. We will try our best to make it happen."

Nakamura, the Hoops' player of last season, tried to inspire Celtic, looking to win a third straight title, against Rangers only to finish a frustrating match with a foot injury.

"It's sore at the moment," he said, "but I don't know exactly what the problem is or if it will stop me training."