The Japanese international scored with a dramatic injury time free-kick to give Celtic a 2-1 win at Kilmarnock and clinch their second consecutive Scottish Premier League title. Nakamura - who normally celebrates his goals in a dignified and controlled manner - pulled his top off, swung it around his head while running towards the Celtic support before throwing himself into the green and white clad hordes.

During his celebrations with the adoring fans, the little Japanese playmaker received a sore face, but he revealed the pain was worthwhile.

"I've never done anything like that before but I've always wanted to run into the crowd," he said.

"My face is a bit sore now but I'm glad I did it.

"It was probably my most important goal as it meant we won the league, although the one I scored to beat Manchester United in the Champions League was also very important to me.

"Kilmarnock were very good and I made a few mistakes so I wanted to score to make up for them and I'm very happy we are now champions."

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan was equally thrilled to have clinched the SPL title and is now aiming to complete a league and cup double by lifting the Scottish Cup in May.

"I am absolutely delighted we've won the league again," said Strachan.

"Luckily for me I have been fortunate to have some great players to work with over the last few seasons.

"We lost a lot of big personalities last year. People such as Stilian Petrov, John Hartson, Chris Sutton and Roy Keane all left and a lot of the players remaining have never won a championship before so this is a big achievement for them.

"It would be great if we can now go on and win the Scottish Cup as it would be fantastic to complete the double.

"We've won the league today but all I keep thinking about is John. To have been out for three years and come back to play the way he did against Kilmarnock is unbelievable."

He said: "It was fantastic to be able to celebrate with the fans. We even picked out a couple of kids from the support to come out and meet their idols so that was good.

"I enjoyed it and it's always great to be appreciated."

In Sunday's game Celtic had opened the scoring in the 23rd minute.

An inswinging corner from Nakamura was met by Dutch international Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink who nodded the ball past Kilmarnock goalkeeper Alan Combe.

The home side levelled in the 49th minute through Colin Nish, setting the stage for Nakamura's injury time winner.

Twenty-yards from goal the Japanese international struck a perfect curling free-kick into the far corner of the net and spark euphoric scenes from the Celtic players, management and fans.