Celtic star Tomoki Iwata has opened up on his lack of game time so far this season, saying he hopes to "seize an opportunity".
The 26-year-old joined the Scottish champions in January and played a role in the Parkhead club lifting a domestic treble last season.
However, he has found his game time limited since the arrival of Brendan Rodgers, with his substitute appearance against Feyenoord recently marking his first competitive minutes of the season.
But the Japanese player is keen to fight for his place in the starting line up.
Speaking to Japanese outlet Football Zone, he said: "It's going to be quite difficult as the two players who were sent off against Feyenoord will be suspended, but Carter-Vickers will also be back after being out due to injury.
"It's unclear whether I'll be able to play on the pitch. However, I will try to appeal in training in order to seize the opportunity.
"By gradually increasing my chances to play in this way and I can make the coach realise that I am a player who can bring something positive to the team.
"In the match against Feyenoord Calvin Stengs, who was below the top of the opponent, was attacking us one-on-one in a fairly narrow space.
"I want to show that I can stop a player like that. That's my strength, and it's my selling point.
"If I can pitch in as a midfielder, I feel like I'll be able to match up with the opponent's key players more often and have more opportunities to show off.
"However, my strength is also that I can play a wide range of positions as a midfielder, wing back and centre-back."
"During my time at Marinos, I contributed to the team by playing a variety of roles and won titles. In the same way, in the current environment, I just have to do my best every day."
