Rob Page is convinced that "brilliant" Daniel James will be a regular goal scorer for Wales and Leeds United in the future.
The 24-year-old played a key role in his country's hard-fought 2-1 win over Austria on Thursday night, a result that saw Wales book their place in the World Cup play-off final. James - who operated in an advanced central role - spurned a number of golden opportunities to make the semi-final victory in Cardiff more convincing. You can read our full player ratings here.
James has been deployed as a striker at Elland Road this season, with first-choice striker Patrick Bamford being out for a lengthy spell with injury. There is an acknowledgement from the stands that James isn't a traditional centre-forward, but Page is fully confident that James will score goals at club level and on the international stage in the future.
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“Dan is not an out and out striker," said the Wales boss. “He’s evolved over the last few months. He’s gone from playing wide left to a centre-forward in a 3-5-2. The formation has changed for him and his game’s got to adapt slightly.
“But he’s a talented footballer with unbelievable pace, he can score goals and he’s creating chances. When centre-forwards are not creating chances that’s the time to worry. The goals will come.
“He was brilliant against Austria and what he does for the team is unbelievable. He makes opposition defenders drop deep, which in turn creates more space for the creative players like Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale, and Harry Wilson and Joe Allen in the middle of the park.”
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James has netted five times in 31 outings for Wales. The former Swansea City and Manchester United winger has score four goals in his 29 appearances for current club Leeds this season.
Wales return to action in a friendly contest against Czech Republic at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night. Kick-off is at 7:45pm.
