Japanese players interest Argyle

Akihiro Ienaga has returned to japan after a trial period at Argyle

Plymouth Argyle manager Paul Sturrock has said more Japanese players could join the club on trial following Akihiro Ienaga's spell at Home Park.

Ienaga has returned home following his trial with the Pilgrims, with no decision yet made over his future.

But Sturrock told BBC Radio Devon he has sent a scout to Japan for a week to look at a number of other players.

"We've got a small list of players that he quite likes. I'm very hopeful that we can bring some more in," he said.

Sturrock revealed he has also watched a number of DVDs of Japanese players and wants to bring in more to the club during January to cast his eye over them.

But he admitted Argyle were a long way from doing any deal to recruit a player from the Far East.

I will not sign a player just on commercial benefit....There's no point just bringing them in for money and having them rot in the reserves

Plymouth Argyle manager Paul Sturrock

Sturrock said: "There'd be a lot of things to consider before we'd do a deal, but we're going down the road with them at this minute to find out about work permits and find out about the package and deal that would have to be done."

Ienaga was unable to play in any matches during his spell at Home Park after bad weather meant a reserve game was postponed.

But Sturrock has hinted he may offer him another opportunity to prove his worth after showing glimpses of his potential.

"He's technically a very good player," said Sturrock. "He's two-footed but the pace of the game was a problem to him and he can't speak the language.

"I think it's important for us to appreciate the style of play some of them have and whether they could adapt to the British game."

606: DEBATE

Most people don't know anything about the J-league and its standard. Its like judging teams and players on one game or even just the highlights. Pathetic.

anglo_dutch

With British football being popular in Japan, the opportunities to make money commercially by having a Japanese player are great for the club.

But Sturrock insisted that he would only bring in Japanese players if they could improve the standard of his side.

"I will not sign a player just on commercial benefit," added Sturrock.

"In the end whoever I bring from Japan will have to be a benefit to the first-team squad. There's no point just bringing them in for money and having them rot in the reserves."