Naka: I'd Rather Be Chasing Gers Than Leading Them

Jan 20 2008 By Mark Guidi

SHUNSUKE NAKAMURA is happy Rangers are leading the title race - because he reckons the pressure of Celtic breathing down their neck will make them crumble.

The Japanese midfielder insists Gordon Strachan's side know what it takes to win the SPL and their experience will pull them through when it matters.

But he admits the champions may well need to win all three remaining Old Firmclashes to make it three championships in a row.

Naka said: "We won the league comfortably in the first two years and were being chased as we led for most of the way. Now we are doing the chasing. Rangers are on top of the league and we have to catch them.

"My personal opinion is that chasing is easier. It is not as tough mentally when you are trying to make up a points gap.

"I think there is more pressure on Rangers than us.

"They finished strongly last season and played the 4-2-3-1 formation well. They added new players last summer and that has been a big thing for them.

"Rangers won the first Old Firm game of the season and there is no doubt the three remaining derbies will be really important in the outcome of the title race.

"We can do well in those games and I believe we will go on to win the title."

Naka is now on his way back to peak fitness after being sidelined for two months with a knee injury.

He has returned to the first team feeling no ill-effects and said: "It will take about a month to be at full fitness.

"I am training hard and that is more difficult than the games we play."

The 29-year-old may be called away on international duty with Japan and could miss Celtic's Scottish Cup tie against either Airdrie or Kilmarnock at the start of next month.

He said: "The authorities in Japan sent Celtic a letter about the next fixture although I do not know the full content.

"I may be available to play against Motherwell on January 30 but not the Scottish Cup tie.

I'm not sure, all I know is I want to play every game."

Nakamura - who will decide on his future at the end of the season - has also backed Koki Mizuno to be a star at Celtic.

Japan international Mizuno is on the verge of joining the Hoops from JEF United early next month and Naka said: "Koki is a really good player.

"He is one of the best crossers of the ball with his right foot.

"He has the ability to become an excellent talent but I didn't have anything to do with his move to Celtic.

"A while ago the manager asked me about Shinji Ono but then Thomas Gravesen and Evander Sno arrived.

"However, he did not ask me about Koki.

"I have spoken to Koki and told him about the city and the players at Celtic.

"I have also advised him about where to live and supermarkets that are here.

"Oh, and the weather. I have told him it is extremely cold here and he should bring warm clothes with him!"