Shunsuke Nakamura proves humble Celtic icon as he downplays own Parkhead status and makes telling Kyogo prediction

Shunsuke Nakamura made Champions League history during his time as a Parkhead poster boy, writes Michael Gannon in Japan.

And he’s convinced that the Japanese crew following in his footsteps can become heroes on the biggest stage. But his belief that Brendan Rodgers’ side can emulate the Gordon Strachan class of 2007 and 2008 by reaching the knock-out stages of Europe’s premier tournament comes with a proviso.

Naka warned that they will only be able to do so if Kyogo is leading the line. He is a huge fan of the little striker and sees him as key to the current side’s high hopes against the cream of the continent. Celtic will need their match winner to be firing if they are to survive the group stages. Nakamura already has his place in the history books. He became the first Japanese to score in the Champions League with a free-kick in the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

A few weeks later he topped it with one of the best goals Parkhead has ever seen when he picked out the top corner to sink the Red Devils. Naka would love the Japanese Bhoys to create some magic of their own this season. Ahead of tonight’s friendly with Yokohama Marinos, he said: “They have done very well for Celtic so far but if they can reach the knockout stages of the Champions League they can really be heroes.

“They’ve already experienced the Champions League group stage last year and there were some good performances. It’s not enough just to be there though. Qualification is the most important thing. I believe they can do it – as long as they keep Kyogo! It’s a new manager coming in, in Brendan Rodgers and if Kyogo stays in the side then they can progress in Europe.”

Nakamura relished his reunion with Celts in his homeland last night.