Kosuke Kimura may be Japanese soccer's best-kept secret, but the New York Red Bulls right back is hoping to announce himself on the biggest stage at this summer's World Cup.
Kimura remains a relative unknown in his home country despite carving out a successful career in the United States, where he won the Major League Soccer title with Colorado Rapids in 2010 and has racked up 158 appearances over seven league seasons.
With the World Cup just around the corner, however, the uncapped 29-year-old is refusing to give up hope. Kimura is aware that forcing his way into Japan's squad will be difficult with the tournament kicking off on June 12, but a recent conversation with Red Bulls sporting director Andy Roxburgh has lifted his spirits.