Celtic star Kyogo could be set for his first international call-up for Japan in a year for this month's World Cup qualifiers.
The Hoops star won the last of his 21 caps against Myanmar a year ago, but has been snubbed by boss Hajime Moriyasu since then.
However, Japan have major problems in their strikeforce for this month's qualifiers against Indonesia and China.
Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda is currently sidelined and unlikely to make the game, while Blackburn Rovers hitman Yuki Ohashi is off form having gone seven games without a goal.
Read more:
And reports in Japan have indicated Moriyasu will turn to Kyogo for the games.
The manager said: "From what I gather, Ayase Ueda has a hamstring injury and won't make the matches "I see it as an opportunity for new talent in the squad. There are players I have been watching who can make an impact in these games instead."
Japan already have Celtic stars Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate in the squad, although the midfielder has been left frustrated recently after travelling almost 30,000 miles to link up with the Japan squad since June...only to not kick a ball for them.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here