Birmingham City midfielder Jordan James got a much-needed goal in the win over Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
After another international break, Birmingham City fans heard rave reviews of James with the Welsh national team.
The 19-year-old is a regular starter for his country and he’s rapidly becoming a key player for Rob Page’s side, but he’s yet to really kick on at Birmingham City since his initial breakthrough.
He’s had spells in and out of the side and everyone agrees that he’s a real prospect, but too often, Birmingham City fans have be left wanting after seeing James shine for Wales but not for his club.
On Saturday though, James came off the bench and scored the winning goal in a 2-1 win over Wednesday; Blues’ first win under Wayne Rooney.
And James has discussed the change in style under Rooney as opposed to John Eustace, who didn’t favour James.
Speaking to Birmingham Live, James said:
“Individually, it suits me a lot better. We were more direct under the old gaffer but we want to play. We want to get it into the midfielders, get it into the two tens, and hurt teams, and that’s where I feel the most comfortable, getting on the ball on the half-turn and playing those passes through and it really suits me.
“For me, it has been quite easy because since growing up, all you ever do is learn to play football on the deck and play the way the Man Citys play. For me, it has been quite an easy transition but you’ve got players who have found it hard because they’ve played a certain way for a long time.”
Can Jordan James finally kick on at Birmingham City?
Birmingham City fans know the club has a gem in James. And now under Rooney, playing in a system under Rooney that better suits his attributes, the Welsh international should really start to kick on.
His trajectory since breaking through into the first-team has plateaud somewhat, with last season under Eustace being a bit of a struggle for James who spent a lot of time on the bench.
But his goal on Saturday could earn him a starting spot for tomorrow night’s Championship clash vs Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park, with a win able to lift Blues up and into the top half.
So far this season, James has scored twice in 15 Championship outings, and Rooney will no doubt be desperate for James to put together a strong run of form and help fire Blues back up the table.