Southampton defender Maya Yoshida hopes to see more Japanese in the Premier League.

He knows there are more talented players back home who will get the chance of a move to England if he can prove he is able to cut it at the highest level.

Yoshida, who gets mobbed by hordes of Japanese journalists after every game, said: "I am the only centre-back from Asia playing in the Premier League so I am carrying the hopes of all the other defenders from my country.

"If we are successful or have good results the door is more open than before so I feel under pressure to perform.

"The Premier League is more high profile.

"Everyone wants to know how I am doing. It is a little bit strange how much attention I get.

"If I go to the national side it is always the same. Southampton are now much bigger than before.

"Before, nobody knew about Southampton - but now everyone knows."