REECE’S BIG IDEA TO COPY HIS PAL ODOI

REECE JAMES is proud of close pal Callum HudsonOdoi’s rise to the top.

Now he wants to fulfil his own dreams and emulate England’s latest teenage sensation.

James, 19, joined Wigan on loan last summer after signing a four-year deal with Chelsea, where he came through the youth ranks with Hudson-Odoi.

In a week where the 18-year-old Blues winger starred for the senior side in Montenegro, James played for England Under-20s in Portugal before helping Wigan pick up a vital point in their battle against relegation.

An audacious 30-yard strike, tipped over by Bees keeper Luke Daniels (above), highlighted his quality in a scrappy game and James said: “It’s a great feeling to play week in, week out in a good league and to play on the international stage as well.

“I’ve played with Callum for many years coming through at Chelsea and he’s a brilliant player. I’m proud of him, we’re good friends.”

Brentford boss Thomas Frank fancies a promotion

push next season – if he can keep players like Said Benrahma.

Frank said: “If you want to build something you need to have a good group and not lose too many players. On our day we can be one of the best teams in this division.”

WIGAN: Walton 7, Byrne 7, Dunkley 7, Fox 7, Robinson 7, James 8, Morsy 7, Massey 7 (McManaman 87), Powell 6, Jacobs 6 (Pilkington 43, 7), Garner 6 (Clarke 77, 6)

BRENTFORD: Daniels 8, Konsa 7, Jeanvier 7, Barbet 6 (Bech Sorensen 48, 6), Dalsgaard 7, Da Silva 6 (MacLeod 81), Mokotjo 7, Odubajo 6, Watkins 5 (Canos 75, 6), Maupay 6, Benrahma 7

REF: Andy Woolmer ATT: 9,953 MOTM LUKE DANIELS (BRENTFORD)