Nakamura set for Japan return against Colombia

TOKYO, June 4 (Reuters) Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura has recovered from an ankle injury and appears set to be involved in Japan's home friendly against Colombia tomorrow.

Scotland's player of the year has been training with the squad in the build-up to the Kirin Cup clash in Saitama -- Japan's last match before next month's Asian Cup.

Japan coach Ivica Osim, meanwhile, gently teased Japanese reporters about their fascination with Nakamura.

''Even if he can't play, shall I send him onto the pitch and take pictures of him?'' Osim was quoted in today's Nikkan Sports daily.

''If I put him on the pitch he will play. He's not a photo model -- he's a footballer!'' Nakamura missed last week's 2-0 win over Montenegro with a bruised ankle.

Japan, who won the Asian Cup in 2000 and 2004, will begin their quest for a hat-trick of titles against Qatar in Hanoi on July 9.

REUTERS TB VC1428