JAPANESE Bhoy Shunsuke Nakamura today sent out a warning to the rest of the Spl after three months out with a knee injury, he expects to be better than ever.

That's an awesome prospect considering the midfielder's performances last season saw him clean up on the Player of the Year awards.

But, after three years without a break due to club and county commitments, knackered Naka has finally had the chance to recharge his batteries.

And with two games under his belt since his return to action, Nakamura reckons he is getting close to firing on all cylinders.

He has a third Spl title in his sights, and is ready to do all he can to achieve this goal. Naka said: "It feels good to be back because no player likes being injured.

"The last time I had a serious injury, in Japan, I was in hospital and that meant I was completely away from football.

"This time, I spent a lot of time at Lennoxtown getting treatment and I could also watch the training. To be honest, that was quite frustrating and it's just a relief to be be back playing.

"It's been really busy over the last few years and I have been playing a lot of football.

"So, although I was disappointed at being injured, I was also thinking that this is my time off.

"I thought, this is my time to to get over the injury and have a break from competitive football.

"Now I feel refreshed and ready to go for the rest of the season. I've played only a few game since coming back and I do think it's a good time to return with so many important games coming up.

"However, I also feel I need to improve my fitness further and I can only do that by playing more games. I also need to play with (right-back) Andreas Hinkel more and develop a better understanding on the right side of the team."

The return of Nakamura's quality to the side has been warmly welcomed by everyone at the club, especially as during his absence Celtic have fallen four points behind Rangers in the title race.

It is a new experience for Naka to be playing catch up, but he refuses to panic, especially as there are still three Old Firm games to go.

He said: "Like in the first two years, we have just got to concentrate on what we are doing and nothing else.

"Rather than look at how many points Rangers have, we just have to take care of our own games. If we do that, I'm confident we can do well.

"There are still so may games to play and a lot can happen. It would be unbelievable to win another league title, and that's what we are all aiming for."

While Nakamura's attacking skills can go a long way towards achieving this goal, he appreciates that it can't be a one-man operation.

And the form of Aiden McGeady - a potential successor for his Player of the Year title - has put a smile on the face of Naka.

He said: "The way we play now suits Aiden," he told the Celtic View.

"When I first arrived, there was more passing in the build up at times. It was pass, pass, pass and Aiden was sometimes surrounded by people when he got the ball.

"The build up seems a little faster at times now and that means Aiden gets the ball quicker and has more space to work in. That seems to work.

"It would be good if I could do the same on the right and help the team in the way Aiden has been doing."