Wales boss Rob Page: It’s my job to get Daniel James back to his best form

Wales manager Rob Page is determined to rebuild Daniel James’ struggling career.

Former Manchester United winger James returns to Old Trafford as part of a Fulham squad for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final shock.

James first impressed at United after a £15million move from Swansea in 2019 before joining Leeds just over two years later.

Leeds paid £25million for the James but after scoring just four goals in 40 games he joined Fulham on loan this season, where limited playing time has seen his fortune plummet again.

Page, who this week called up James to his squad for the opening Euro 2024 qualifiers games against Croatia and Latvia, said: “DJ went there to play games and finds it frustrating that he’s not getting the minutes that he would like.

“But DJ still has the same skills and talent when he went to Man United.

“It’s my job now and that of my staff to bring him back to the level he showed before because we know we have a huge advantage with his speed.”

James has made just three Premier League starts for Fulham since joining Craven Cottage in early September.

Leeds have allowed James to play in the FA Cup and at Old Trafford he will face United manager Eric Ramsay, who was appointed to the Wales coaching staff earlier this month.

The highly-rated Ramsay is United’s standard manager and Page believes his work at the Welsh training ground with James will benefit the 25-year-old immensely.

“All players need an arm around them and different management,” Page said.

“DJ is a student of the game and goes to the nth grade, the way he looks back on his accomplishments is brilliant.

“Eric is one of the best youth coaches in Britain and he will be of great value to him. I just go through his clips in training and try to tweak a few things.

Wales, entering a new era without record goalscorer Gareth Bale, kick off their Euro 2024 qualifiers in Croatia on Saturday before hosting Latvia in Cardiff three days later.

James was an integral part of the Wales line-up, starting in 34 consecutive competitive games before being benched for November’s World Cup defeat by Iran.

Page said: “DJ’s success for us is playing wide left so we’re getting him playing football and getting him in the mood again.

“I spoke to him last week and was really positive about him after our conversation.

“He’s disappointed he’s not playing, of course he is. But he is ready for this camp and really looking forward to getting started.”