SHUNSUKE Nakamura is desperate to return to action for Celtic in the New Year - so he can take part in their last-16 Champions League showdown.

Nakamura has had to sit out the SPL champions' last two European matches against Shakhtar Donetsk at Parkhead and AC Milan in the San Siro.

However, the Japanese playmaker, who has a knee ligament problem, is determined to make a full recovery in time for the knockout stages.

Shunsuke said: "I have to rest and have treatment at the moment. That is all that I can do, but I am looking forward to the last 16 games in the New Year. It is great that we have made the final stages for the second time in two years."