SHUNSUKE NAKAMURA has pleaded with Gordon Strachan to let him prove he can handle the Old Firm game.

The Japanese midfielder has been swept aside in previous Celtic matches against Rangers at Ibrox.

Strachan must decide if he can afford to take another chance with Naka tomorrow when defeat could end their three-in-a-row title dreams.

Barry Robson is pushing hard for inclusion in midfield alongside Scott Brown, Paul Hartley and Aiden McGeady, while Evander Sno and Massimo Donati are outside bets.

But Naka is desperate to retain his place, though he denies it's because this might be his last Old Firm game at Ibrox before a summer return to his previous club, Yokohama.

Naka knows Rangers are a physical side, but he is prepared to get stuck in. "I don't think that is a worry at all. I think we have the ability to outdo them with skill," he said.

"When we get into one-on-one situations, we are capable of achieving anything.

"I don't believe the physical side of things is such a big issue. It's more about being first to the loose balls. I have been doing well recently with tackling, so I will be keeping that up."

The Old Firm atmosphere has bitten Naka, and he added: "I played in derbies in Japan and Italy. But there's something really special about this particular derby. They are always very competitive and have an extra edge, so I'm really looking forward to it."

Naka has had mixed fortunes in Old Firm games, being on the losing side for the last three, and he would like to get back to winning.

He said: "It's been 50-50 with Rangers since I've been here. But the away games can prove more difficult.

"This is going to be a hard game, especially for the boys who were on international duty.

"In this one we might not be able to play the nice, free-flowing football that we're used to.

"We need to get at least a point. I don't think we can afford to lose this match. We'll be doing our best to make sure we win."

Naka already has two SPL winner's medals and desperately wants a third. His contract is up this summer, with Celtic holding a further 12 month option, and he does not want this to be his final season here, despite Yokohama trying to lure him back.

He said of speculation over his future: "I still can't believe people are talking about this. My family are really happy and settled here. The people of Glasgow, especially Celtic fans, are so warm towards me.

"I love playing at Celtic Park and feel I can still improve. There's no reason for me to move. I'm really happy playing for Celtic."

Naka was left out the Japan squad which lost 1-0 in this week's World Cup tie in Bahrain.

He used the break to recharge his batteries, and said: "When I get days off, I try to rest completely. We've had a lot of games recently. so it was great to get two days off this week."