[Martin]

Nakamura will play despite ankle injury.

Celtic's Japanese playmaker will take to the field tomorrow playing through the pain barrier as his country hope to take another vital step towards qualification for the 2010 World Cup. The mercurial midfielder received a pain killing injection to play his part in the midweek 3-0 victory over Thailand and intends to make himself available for the crucual qualifier. A narrow defeat earlier in the year to tomorrow's opponents Bahrain had setback hopes of qualification but with the Japanese campaign back on track Nakamura said,

"The ankle feels better. Of course I want to play. We lost to Bahrain away so it's important we beat them at home.".

Nakamura has endured an inconsistent season at Celtic, partly down to injury and partly down to almost two years without a rest from competitive football. Despite this the free-kick specialist found the mettle to play a vital role in his club's thrilling championship victory including a stunning strike against rivals Rangers.

Should the result favour the Japanese the draw for the final round of Asian qualifiers will take place in Kuala Lumpur on Friday - Celtic fans may be hoping, perhaps selfishly, that Japan are not one of the nations in the next round.