Vegalta Sendai goalkeeper Yuji Rokutan has been called up by Japan to replace Masaaki Higashiguchi in their upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The 28-year-old will step in for his injured Gamba Osaka counterpart in the squad for the Samurai Blue’s two Group E games against Singapore and Cambodia.

“Even as a backup, it’s an honour to be called up to a World Cup qualifier,” Rokutan commented via his club.

“I want to play well for Higashiguchi’s sake and return to to Japan with two victories.”

The Samurai Blue currently lie second in the group behind Syria and level on points with upcoming opponents Singapore, with both sides having played one game more.