There’s no fear factor with Wales after move to United - James

James believes playing regular football at club level has helped him eradicate the fear of starring in the pressure cauldron of Wales matches.

The 21-year-old has been one of the shining lights in Manchester United’s dismal start to the 2019/20 campaign, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer suffering a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United prior to the international break.

Having netted three goals in his first four matches for the Red Devils in addition to bagging the winner for Wales against Belarus last month, James is hopeful of delivering the goods on the international stage once again this week as Ryan Giggs’ men take on Slovakia and Croatia in their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.

And James admits turning out week-in, week-out for United – as well as Swansea City last term – has helped him grow into the national team.

“They’re games we really need to win,” he said.

“The first game we obviously beat Slovakia at home, but we know it’s going to be tough away. Obviously, there’s Croatia at home too so we’ll prepare well this week for both of them.

“I think since my first game against Slovakia, the gaffer gave me my chance and I’m grateful for that. I think getting the goal in the first five minutes gave me confidence.

“With playing club football, coming away here, it’s so important. I’ve grown into the team and everyone works for each other which helps.

“It was the same when I was playing for Swansea last year and playing for Wales. Things used to faze me, but now going into these games this week, it’s going to be tough and there’s pressure but I’m used to that with club football.”

James’ career rise has been as rapid as his movement on the pitch.

The youngster only made his league bow for Swansea in August last year, with his Wales debut coming against Albania just four months after that.

But the Wales ace hasn’t been surprised by the trajectory of his career.

“I wouldn’t say surprised. Things happen so quickly in football,” added James. “As soon as I played my first game I put my stamp on it.

We’ve got a very good team here and everybody’s fighting for places. Any time I come away I try and do the same things, work hard and the gaffer always has trust in me.

“I think in football, a year ago I wasn’t really playing for Swansea and everything’s happened so quick, so it’s just about how you grasp that. Everyone who speaks to me says to be myself and that’s what I do.

“If you said to me a year ago that this would be happening I would have said ‘don’t be silly.’ But things happen so quickly in football so you’ve got to be ready for everything. To play for my country every time is a proud moment, and I’ve got quite a few caps under my belt now.”

James was eligible to play for England, having been born in Yorkshire.

He joined Swansea’s academy at the age of 14, and despite being born in England, James has revealed he always wanted to play international football for the Red Dragons.

“My dad took me to a camp in north Wales when I was 12 and ever since then I’ve always played for Wales age groups growing up,” said the winger.

“I can never say that I’ve ever tried to be picked by England. Growing up it’s always been Wales.”

Such has been his commitment to the red of Wales, James watched the stunning Euro 2016 campaign with his family while on holiday in Spain.

“I think I might have been in Marbella at the time,” he recalled.

“I was out there enjoying it with my family. It remember watching it and it was amazing to see them get so far. That is something we want to do now.

“I think I was a bit young for a halfa-lager at the time! But to say even then I’d be playing for Wales in the next two or three years and have the chance to take my team to the Euros, I would say you’re being silly. But being here now there’s a big expectation for me and all of the team as well.”

Wales take on Slovakia in Trnava on Thursday before facing 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia at Cardiff City Stadium three days later.