Nagoya Grampus announced that striker Kensuke Nagai had been called up to the Japan national team squad on Tuesday.

He will now boost coach Vahid Halilhodzic’s options ahead of Thursday’s Kirin Challenge Cup match versus Iraq, as well as the Samurai Blues’ joint 2018 World Cup-2019 Asian Cup qualifying match against Singapore next Tuesday.

“I’m happy to have been called up for a second straight time,” Nagai said in a statement issued through Grampus.

“Regardless of where I’m played or our tactics, I want to contribute my strength toward a win for Japan. I want to work hard, so thank you for your support.”

The 26-year-old, who made his second senior international appearance in March, previously represented Japan in the London 2012 Olympics.