AKINORI Nishizawa gets a break from the frustrations of trying to force his way into Wanderers' Premiership picture when he returns to the international scene this week.

The striker from Osaka is in a 22-strong Japan squad for two European friendlies as the joint hosts continue their preparations for next summer's World Cup finals.

Japan played Senegal in Lens, France, on Thursday and take on Nigeria in Southampton on Sunday.

Nishizawa, who has scored eight goals in 15 appearances for his country, rescued Wanderers with a late equaliser against Walsall in the Worthington Cup but the nearest he has come to a Premiership appearance since arriving on loan at the Reebok in the summer is the subs' bench.