Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura claims a Parkhead double over Rangers has become vital if the Hoops are to stand any chance of pipping their rivals to the Scottish Premier League title.

The Japan international could not prevent Celtic slipping to a 1-0 defeat at Ibrox on Saturday, but the teams must meet again twice before the end of the season.

Celtic will have home advantage for both fixtures, and will look to cut Rangers' lead which currently stands at six points with a game in hand.

Nakamura said: "We will never give up hope. We must now win both home games against Rangers.

"In fact, we have to win all the remaining 'cup finals' we face in the league this season. We will try our best to make it happen."

Last season's player of the year tried to provide a spark from midfield for the champions of the past two seasons, but he was left frustrated and finished the game nursing a foot injury.

"It's sore at the moment," he said, "but I don't know exactly what the problem is or if it will stop me training."