Japanese star Shunsuke Nakamura has ended speculation of returning home until at least the end of the current season. The Celtic midfielder will see out his contract at Parkhead which ends in the European summer.
Japanese club Yokohama Marinos were expected to make a lucrative launch for Nakamura in the January transfer window but the 30-year old has agreed to stay put and chase a fourth consecutive Scottish Premier League title.
It is news to Hoops boss Gordon Strachan's ears who rates the creative playmaker highly and believes him to be an integral part of the make up of Celtic's squad.
A spokesman for the club said, "Celtic didn't want Naka to leave and Naka didn't want to leave.
"Therefore, there was never any prospect of Shunsuke leaving in January."