Kaoru Mitoma is pleased to be a standard-bearer for Japanese youngsters.

And he believes there is plenty of talent coming through.

The Albion winger is among those in his country avidly following the Olympics from France.

He emerged as a professional star after opting to play university football at Tsukuba.

Asked whether he now sees himself as an inspiration to students, Mitoma told The Argus: “Since I joined Tsukuba, I was able to feel that there are more Japanese who are playing at university and then go on to become professional.

“I feel that the young Japanese football level has become much better than before.

“I hope to lead that trend.

“We also have the Olympic Games and so if you start from the academy and young players can then become a member of the national team squad, that will be really be motivating for the up-coming players.”