Comeback star Naka's lift for hero McGeady; Celtic 3 Stirling 0.

FRUSTRATED Shunsuke Nakamura watched Aiden McGeady shoulder Celtic's creative burden through the past three gruelling months and longed for the chance to help.

But the comeback Japanese star last night vowed to emulate his colleague's inspirational form and rocket the SPL champions to another season of domestic glory.

Nakamura ended a nightmare spell on the injured list at the weekend when he made his eagerlyanticipated return to Gordon Strachan's side for the Scottish Cup encounter against Stirling Albion.

A painful 11 weeks and 13 matches passed without Scotland's Player of the Year being able to contribute courtesy of the rest required to cure a troublesome knee ligament problem.

During Nakamura's lengthy period on the sidelines, Republic of Ireland ace McGeady has risen to the challenge and covered the playmaker's absence with some sparkling displays.

The pair, however, were back in tandem against Albion and there were signs of the duo launching a campaign of terror against the rest of Scottish football during the crucial championship run-in.

Nakamura's final act of a 75-minute reappearance gave supporters a timely reminder of what they have missed since the SPL home game against Motherwell on October 27.

Nakamura's delightful turn onto his left peg preceded a crashing 25-yard finish into the top corner of Albion's net to seal a 3-0 success over the battling First Division outfit. McGeady had already created the opening goal for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink with some dazzling wing play and Nakamura admits he's determined to do his share of creating in the weeks ahead.

He said: "I have been away for a while, so I would like to contribute to the team and help them to win games.

"It was so exciting to return because I got so much applause from the fans and I was really glad to be back.

"Aiden has been really good and turning in great performances and if I can do the same things on my side of the pitch, that may make things easier for him."

Ironically, Nakamura's return against Albion ensured an entirely fresh right-side for Strachan's team this season.

Behind the Japanese, German international Andreas Hinkel made a pleasing debut after his pounds 2million transfer from Spanish outfit Sevilla.

Nakamura admitted he was surprised to see Hinkel sweep beyond his right shoulder on numerous occasions throughout the game as the former Stuttgart star displayed a relish for joining the attack. Celtic's supporters were certainly impressed by their initial sighting of the German and his Asian team-mate feels there is promise of a lengthy relationship between the pair on the flank.

Nakamura said: "It was the first time I had played alongside Andreas and I felt he was more of an attacking player than I first thought.

"Hopefully we can make a good combination."

Of course, Nakamura could soon be joined by another right-sided force with his compatriot Koki Mizuno due to check into Parkhead shortly having agreed a deal to switch from JEF United to the SPL.

Celtic fans are dreaming that the 22-year-old can make a similar impact to their current hero, but Nakamura warned: "I had quite a hard time when I first went abroad to Italy so I would like to help as much as possible.

"It will take a few months for him and some time to settle down here."

Celtic, of course, are aware that Mizuno may be around Parkhead for longer than Nakamura who will turn 30 just after this season ends.

Yokohama Marinos have begun making plans to take him back to his homeland.

CAPTION(S):

HE'S STILL GOT THE NAK: Celtic's Japanese Bhoy fires home the Hoops' killer third goal; WIZARD OF OZ: Scott McDonald's 70th-minute shot beats Binos goalkeeper Scott Christie