Yahoo Sport 
Daniel James desperate to impress Craig Bellamy and tips Leeds United team-mate for stardom
Daniel James admits he's itching to make his mark for Wales after returning to the international fold for the first time under boss Craig Bellamy.
The winger sat out Bellamy's opening two camps due to a hamstring problem, and has subsequently watched the new era, which is yet to yield a defeat, from afar.
It's clearly been a source of frustration for James, who says he's now ready to show he is worthy of a place in Bellamy's plans, starting with this weekend's trip to Turkey in the UEFA Nations League.
READ MORE:Craig Bellamy outlines Wales plan but admits tough moments lie ahead
"I’ve been watching and the new style is very enjoyable to watch," James said. "I just want to get involved. I was trying to get back for the second camp but I didn’t quite make it.
"I was gutted about that but it’s just nice to be back now, especially as after this camp there is going to be a long break until March. So it’s nice to come in, understand the principles of what the manager wants and just learn from it."
The former Manchester United man says he's eager to learn as much as possible from his boss, whom he admits was once a source of inspiration for him as a young footballer coming through the ranks at Swansea City.
"He was a player I aspired to be when I was younger because of his work ethic," he added. "He had an aura on the pitch – give him the ball and he will go and get you a goal or an assist.
"But he was also so important off the ball with his work rate. A lot of his principles – the way he wants to get on the ball, create 1 v 1s and get in behind, while off the ball it is all about how quickly you can win it back - I’ve grown up with at Swansea and with other teams I played with. I learned that at a young age and it was always my style of play. I like being in a pressing team – it’s just the way we are.
"Having missed the first two camps it’s been all about learning what’s required. If there are bits I don’t understand I’m happy to ask. I want to make sure all the little details are correct because if you have them in the back of your mind you can go and express yourself. You know where you need to be on the pitch on and off the ball.
"I didn’t have any discussion with Craig before coming into camp but it was quite clear the way we played. The wingers held a high line and we tried to pin back the back four. Watching it was really great and it was all pretty clear to me. I felt like I was missing out and that’s why it’s great to be back."
While he played in the friendlies with Gibraltar and Slovakia under predecessor Rob Page, James hasn't made a competitive appearance for Wales since missing an all-important penalty in the shootout defeat to Poland in the Euro 2024 play-off final.
Earning his place in this new chapter for Wales will surely help him move on from that crushing disappointment.
"It was tough to take but it’s long gone now," he said. "Football isn’t always positive but you have to bounce back. If I said I’d forgotten about it I would be lying, but I won’t let it affect me in future games. It could have happened to any of us on the day but unfortunately it was me. I’ve got to take that, learn from it and be better."
James, who turned 27 recently, is now one of the more experienced heads available to his boss, and he may now play a role in helping to bed in some of the nation's more promising young talents.
Among the latest off the conveyor belt is Leeds United team-mate Charlie Crew, who was recently added to the squad following the withdrawal of Nathan Broadhead.
Crew only made his Leeds debut earlier this month, coming on for Joel Piroe in the win over Plymouth Argyle, a game where James actually scored. Crew similarly picked up his first cap for Wales in that disastrous draw to Gibraltar before Bellamy's arrival, and James is in no doubt that the 18-year-old midfielder has a bright future ahead of him - for club and country.
"He’s been with us for quite a while now and he’s progressing really well.
"He has still got a lot to show and I’m happy he will be with us this week. He is still young but doing great for us at Leeds. I’m sure he will definitely get a lot of caps for Wales."
