Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura will be staying at Parkhead until at least the end of the season the club has confirmed.

The 30-year-old had been linked with a New Year move to his native Japan after Celtic’s capitulation in the Champions League signalled their exit from all European competitions.

Strachan’s troops slumped 2-1 to Danish outfit Aalborg leaving them with no hope of qualification for the UEFA Cup and Nakamura with an exit route back to his family in the Far East.

Nakamura’s former club Yokohama F Marinos were rumoured to be tabling a £3million bid with the cash coming from Yokohama’s parent company, Nissan, but the proposed offer was withdrawn due to the current financial climate.

And despite Nakamura still eyeing a return home when his contract expires in June, Celtic boss Gordon Strachan insists the Japanese star is still committed to the club.

“He is a family man and we would all like to be beside our family – I don’t know if I could do what he does,” said Strachan.

“But he gets on with things and I don’t think you will see a happier man in training than him.”

Nakamura – whose contract at Celtic Park runs out at the end of the season – moved to Glasgow in 2005 following a largely unsuccessful stint with Italian outfit Reggina.

The 30-year-old has made 17 starts for Celtic this season bagging six goals as they edge their way past rivals Rangers to the top of the SPL.

However with a move back to Japan certain to extend his international career Nakamura’s stay with Celtic may come to an end in the summer.