SAINTS defender Yukinari Sugawara came on from the bench to score in Japan's 4-0 win over Indonesia on Friday.

Sugawara, 24, scored his second goal in four World Cup qualifiers to help the Blue Samurai extend their lead at the top of Group C.

Faced with little pressure from the Indonesian defence, Sugawara drove towards goal before smashing home and the near post.

Former Saints loanee Takumi Minamino and Sporting's Hidemasa Morita were also among the goalscorers after Wolves youngster Justin Hubner scored an own goal.

Sugawara had gone unused by Japan during the previous two international windows, something Russell Martin feels is not ideal.

"Yuki travelling half the way around the world and not playing one minute is probably not very good for him. But, it keeps them fresh for us."

Sugawara has played all but one of Southampton's Premier League fixtures this season - he did not feature against Manchester City due to a minor injury.

The former AZ full-back scored the club's first Premier League goal of the campaign away to Brentford and has since notched assists against Stoke City and Leicester City.

Japan are in World Cup qualifying action on Tuesday, November 19 against China.