HIGH PRAISE FOR ‘THE NEXT BALE’

WHEN asked about the breathtaking speeds Dan James can reach, Gareth Bale couldn’t resist replying with a reminder of his own ability for acceleration. ‘He has got a bit to go,’ Bale said with a smile.

For years Bale has brought the pace for Wales and his words were a little challenge from the current generation to the next.

Against Slovakia, though, James, 21, showed plenty of Bale-like bursts. His winning goal was instinctive and he consistently terrified defenders.

Bale is now giving him tips on life in the spotlight, with both represented by the Stellar Group agency.

James’s rise has been sudden. In August 2017 he was sent back from loan to Swansea by League One Shrewsbury after he failed to break into their first team.

He only made his Swansea debut 13 months ago as a substitute and there was still talk of a loan move to Yeovil Town at the start of this season. Manager Graham Potter made the call to keep him and his faith has seen James soar.

Though he was born in Beverley, East Riding, he has played at Under 17, 19, 20, and 21 levels for Wales having decided to play for the nation of his father.

‘The gaffer said he picked me because of how I performed at Swansea,’ said James.

With only one year left on his current deal come summer, Southampton and Bournemouth are among a host of Premier League clubs now tracking his progress.