Caldwell: We're heading for the Treble

Last updated : 21 January 2009 By Mikbhoy

Although the Bhoys are still sitting two points clear of their nearest rivals in the chase for the SPL title it would be fair to say that there has been a fragile look about the team recently and Nakamura insists that the Celts will have to toughen up in the weeks ahead and also concentrate on getting back into that rhythm which saw them gain twelve straight victories earlier in the season. The team's next opponents are Hibernian - the team who halted that run - and Naka is looking forward to their visit

"Toughness, physically and mentally, will be really important for us from now on but we won't just win the title through determination." said the Japanese midfielder "Hibs are a good side and we know that it will be difficult against them. At home, we still have a good record but we need to control the game more. Against Dundee United, we were under pressure for spells of the match. We need to concentrate on making passes, keeping the ball and making sure we control the game. It won't be easy though. Hibs have strong, attacking players. They pass the ball well and look to get players forward. It should be a good game for the supporters."

Naka's first taste of glory with the club came in the 2006 League Cup final against Dunfermline - a game in which he played a pivotal role - and with a semi-final against Dundee United at Hampden coming up next Wednesday he has his sights on another League Cup medal too. "Of course, the League Cup is very important for us. We are playing at Hampden in a semi-final, so it will be an important match. I would be very happy to win that tournament again, but I don't really distinguish between different competitions when I prepare for a game. I just look at the ways I can help the team win the match."

Gary Caldwell would also like to see the team get back to the form that saw them generate the fantastic winning run but although he's disappointed with recent results he's not downhearted "We're two points clear in the league which, if you had given us that after the Rangers game back in August, we would have snapped your hand off for it." he said "We are still in both cups as well, and for the first time since I've been here we have a real opportunity to go and win the Treble without having Europe as another strain on the resources. We can focus on the Treble now and really go for it because I believe we have a group of players who can win that."