GORDON STRACHAN today applauded his players for achieving the target set for them immediately after they suffered defeat in last weekend's Old Firm game.

The result left the defending champions trailing Rangers by two points. And the Parkhead boss revealed he challenged his disappointed players to take the title right down to the wire, which it will after the Hoops won 2-1 on Tuesday against Dundee United and Rangers were held the following night against Hibs.

Strachan said: "Our target has been to take it to the last day when we play Hearts and Rangers go to Tannadice.

"We want to have a full house at Celtic Park and to have everyone expecting something to happen.

"Irrespective of what happens this weekend, that is now what we will see."

Strachan is relieved Shunsuke Nakamura is again prepared to ignore the pain to play in Sunday's game against Hibs and the final match against Hearts.

The midfielder had to have injections at half- time at Ibrox to continue against Rangers, then bravely told Strachan he was ready to face United three days later, despite carrying groin, knee and foot injuries.

Naka said: "It's been difficult as I've had to take a couple of injections to kill the pain. But I'm sure I'll be okay for the last two games.

"They are so important for us, and winning the league is all I'm thinking about."

Nakamura, whose contract runs out in the summer, has laughed off reports he could be ready accept a second offer from Al Nasr to make Saudi Arabia his next move.

Yokohama Marinos are struggling to find the cash to take Naka back home, and Celtic continue to keep the door open for his stay here to be extended.