Vegalta Sendai on Thursday announced that goalkeeper Yuji Rokutan has been called up by the Japan squad for the EAFF East Asian Cup, which begins on August 2 in China.

The 28-year-old, who has yet to earn his first senior cap, will replace FC Tokyo’s Shuichi Gonda, who declined to participate due to poor health.

“I want to thank everyone and promise to repay them for this opportunity,” Rokutan commented via his club.

Defending East Asian Cup champions Japan will face off against China, South Korea and North Korea in the regional tournament.