Central Coast Mariners are hoping they have found a replacement for the injured Marcos Flores in the form of Yukihiro Yamase.

The Japanese attacking midfielder is without a team and is seeking a contract with the Mariners until the end of the A-League season.

Squad strengthening: Central Coast Mariners training at North Sydney Oval last month. Credit:Brendan Esposito

He is now on trial with the Mariners, having paid his way to come from Japan specifically to earn a contract with the Gosford-based club. He has been with them for several sessions and the Mariners are expected to make a decision on a deal before the end of the week.

Yamase came through the youth ranks of one of Japan's biggest clubs, Yokohama Marinos, with his breakout year coming in 2007 as he played 39 matches and scored five goals in the competitions.