Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa has admitted that he needs to 'pull his socks up' ahead of Japan's World Cup qualifying fixture next week.

The 23-year-old has impressed in Manchester United's Premier League games this season, but he was below par in Japan's friendly with Venezuela last month, and he has vowed to improve ahead of next week's qualification matches.

Kagawa told Japanese media: "The final round of World Cup qualifiers has come back around and I have to pull my socks up."

"I didn't play too well in last month's game and this is an important match."

Japan play Iraq next Tuesday as they look to maintain their five-point lead in their Asian qualifying group.

Written by
Darren Plant