Shohei Ogura is hoping to make an immediate impact at Gamba Osaka after returning to the Emperor’s Cup winner from his loan at Montedio Yamagata.

The 30-year-old made just six appearances for 2015 MEIJI YASUDA J.League Championship runners-up Gamba.

The midfielder then made the switch to Montedio in July, where he was unable to help the club stave off relegation, but is now eager to reinstate himself at his parent side.

“I wasn’t able to contribute much to the club last year, but I hope that this year I can add to Gamba’s strength and want to start the season strongly,” Ogura commented.

The once-capped Japan Under-22 player made his J.League debut in 2004, playing for four years at Mito Hollyhock and seven years at Yokohama F. Marinos before arriving at Gamba.

Kenta Hasegawa’s side will be counting on Ogura’s services as they aim to improve on their 2015 season, in which they finished runners-up in the league and Yamazaki Nabisco Cup.