Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto wants to repeat his World Cup heroics at next year's finals in Germany and has vowed to reclaim his place on the national team.
Inamoto was the star of Japan's 2002 World Cup campaign, his goals against Belgium and Russia helping the cohost reach the second round for the first time and earning a second chance to prove himself in the English Premier League after a fruitless spell at Arsenal.
Three years on however, Inamoto, sidelined for a sizeable chunk of 2004 after breaking his leg in a friendly against England last June, is no longer a permanent fixture under Japan's Brazilian coach Zico.
Hidetoshi Nakata might be able to waltz straight back into the starting lineup after a year out injured, but since returning to full fitness, Inamoto has had to play second fiddle to Takashi Fukunishi, whose performances in his absence have earned glowing praise from Zico.