Miyaichi wants Arsenal starring role

The 19-year-old, who returned to Japan on Tuesday for his expected full international debut against Azerbaijan on May 23, said he wanted to prove his worth to Arsene Wenger's side.

"I want to become their best player and be the sort of player who can carry them in games," Miyaichi told reporters after landing in Tokyo.

"I wanted to be on the pitch and help Bolton survive the drop so it was really disappointing. Now I have to get ready for the Olympics and World Cup qualifiers if I'm selected."

"It has been my dream to stand on the pitch representing Japan since I was small," he said. "My biggest weapon is speed and when I get the chance I'll show exactly what I have."

"This is crunch time for Japan," he said. "Beating Azerbaijan will be crucial with final round World Cup qualifying games right after. We have to win and win well."

The return from injury of CSKA midfielder Keisuke Honda, whose goals helped Japan reach the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup, should give Zaccheroni's side a timely lift.

Never the shrinking violet, Honda swept through arrivals Hollywood-style in a beige suit and sunglasses, saying only: "I want to show people I'm back!"