Japan midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura says he would love the opportunity to have more regular matches against some of the best nations in the world. The Celtic star believes it would be better for the Japanese national team if they play friendlies against bigger nations to help improve.

"If we don't suffer against the world's best we won't develop," Nakamura was quoted as saying by Japan's Sports Hochi newspaper.

"It doesn't mean anything that we can beat weak teams in Asia. That won't help us improve. We're in a good position (in 2010 World Cup qualifying) but we have high goals."

Nakamura is thinking back to 2002 when France demolished the Japanese 5-0 and he believes more games like this would improve the team.

"When Troussier was coach got absolutely hammered at Saint-Denis," said Nakamura.

"If that hadn't happened I don't know if I would have gone any further myself with the Japan side. If you don't play against the best you have no reference point to help you improve.

"In terms of individual skill and as a team I think we need to suffer from time to time."