Riku Danzaki a big part of Stuart Kettlewell's Motherwell plans but Japanese star still needs time to settle in

Stuart Kettlewell insists Japanese attacking midfielder Riku Danzaki is a big part of his plans at Motherwell - the player just needs more time to settle into his new life in Scotland first.

The 22-year-old was signed by former boss Steven Hammell in January on a two-and-a-half year deal, with much fanfare surrounding his arrival from J-League club Consadole Sapporo, although he had spent much of the past two years on loan at Brisbane Roar in the Australian A-League.

Danzaki was pictured holding a claret and amber scarf aloft when he arrived at Glasgow Airport to complete his move, and it was hoped he would be the man to kick-start Motherwell's flagging season when they were sat joint-bottom of the Scottish Premiership.

The club have also employed a full-time interpreter, Tomoaki Enori, until the end of the season to assist with Danzaki's transition to the Premiership.

However, after making his debut off the bench in a 2-0 defeat to St Johnstone on February 1, Danzaki has barely featured so far.

He has played just two minutes during Kettlewell's impressive three game run at the helm so far, climbing off the bench late on in the 2-0 win over Hearts last month.

Kettlewell says Danzaki will have a part to play under his stewardship and fans just have to be patient to see him make his mark.

"The plan for Riku is long-term. It was always long-term for Riku. He needs to settle in and familiarise himself with Scottish football, acclimatise himself with the culture, which is completely different to what he has been used to," Kettlewell explained.

"In terms of his work and how he goes about his business, he has been great.

"Obviously, it is my job to pick and choose the right opportunities for him.

"If you look at the term of his