Gordon Strachan last night admitted he is determined to keep Shunsuke Nakamura at Celtic for at least another season, but will have no complaints if the Japan internationalist decides to return to his homeland next summer.

The midfielder's contract runs out at the end of this campaign, but Celtic can exercise a 12-month option to retain his services.

Nakamura has repeatedly expressed a desire to finish his career at his first club, Yokohama Marinos, and a delegation from Yokohama are reported to be holding talks with Peter Lawell, the Celtic chief executive, this week about a possible move.

However, Celtic manager Strachan believes that the 29-year-old, who joined from Italian club Reggina in 2005, can achieve much more at Parkhead before going home.

"It's a must that we keep Naka for another year," said Strachan. "I've told him that this club is suited to him and that it's a dream club for a player like him. He absolutely loves it here and he knows how much the fans, the players and the coaches love him.

"I know Naka does not want to go back home when he is unable to perform as he can, but he's incredibly fit.

"Naka's under contract and we need him to stay for another year. If he decides after that to go home and play his football, then we will hold our hands up and say fine', because what he has done here has been beyond the call of duty."

Meanwhile, Paul Hartley hopes Celtic can make their lighter schedule work to their advantage against Rangers next Sunday. The 1-0 win over Aberdeen was Celtic's last competitive action ahead of the Old Firm match, while Rangers were taken to penalties by St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup on Sunday and face Fiorentina in the UEFA Cup on Thursday.

Celtic midfielder Hartley said: "It was important that we won against Aberdeen to keep the pressure on Rangers. We played well against them last week and we'll look for a similar outcome on Sunday. We've got players who can come in, so it keeps everybody fresh."