Nakamura the hero as Celtic clinch Scottish title

Japanese international Shunsuke Nakamura netted a last-gasp free kick to give Celtic a 2-1 win at Kilmarnock and hand the Scottish champions their second successive Premier League title.

كتب : Omar AbdelAziz

الإثنين، 23 أبريل 2007 - 12:34
ناكامورا
Japanese international Shunsuke Nakamura netted a last-gasp free kick to give Celtic a 2-1 win at Kilmarnock and hand the Scottish champions their second successive Premier League title.

The Japanese wizard set up Dutch striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink for a first-half opener, but Colin Nish equalized for the hosts before 'Naka' curled in a 92nd minute trade mark free kick.

The Bhoys were declared champions 4 weeks before the end after they reached the 81st point at the summit, leading arch rivals Glasgow Rangers by 13 points.

Nakamura's joy was even doubled after he clinched the Scottish Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year award in the ceremony that took place in Glasgow hours after the game.

"I'm very pleased but this isn't something you can get on your own - it's down to the whole team and also the supporters," said Nakamura after receiving the prestigious prize.

The left-footed sensation was also awarded with the Goal of the Season prize for his mid-season delicate lob against Dundee United in a 2-2 draw.

"I remember we were 2-1 down at the time and it was a very hard game, I'm pleased to get the award but every goal is the same to me, they are all important," he commented.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan, who grabbed the manager of the year award, commented on the talents of his star player after the Kilmarnock win.

"The man is a genius, but we also have statistics that say he covers more ground than anybody in our team, so he has got all that," Strachan told Setanta TV.

Bhoys captain Neill Lennon also heaped his praise on the achievement of the 28-year-old Nakamura.

"It was impeccable timing from him (scoring in stoppage time) and it doesn't matter how often you see it, it is an unbelievable skill...a God-given talent," he said.