Birthday boy plans a gift for Oli

Daniel James is hoping his “connection” with Oli McBurnie will ensure he has a birthday to remember at Bolton Wanderers this weekend.

James will spend his 21st at the University of Bolton Stadium as Swansea City take on Phil Parkinson’s team in Saturday (3pm).

The winger heads to Lancashire in the best form of his young career, having claimed assists for four of the Swans’ last five goals.

Three of those key contributions have led to goals for McBurnie, and James is aiming to tee up his former development squad colleague once again.

“Ever since I arrived at the club I’ve had a good connection with Oli,” said the former Hull youngster.

“It started in the under-23s and luckily we’ve continued it into the first team.

“Getting assists is a big part of the game when you are playing out wide.

“I have been pleased to get a few lately and hopefully there are plenty more to come.”

James is still learning his trade at first-team level having made the breakthrough in the Championship this season under Graham Potter.

He will be making only the seventh league start of his career if he is selected at Bolton – but he is already demanding more from himself.

“I need to keep getting into good positions and feeding Oli,” James added.

“There were a lot of times at Rotherham when I could have found Oli more, so that’s something I need to improve on.

“I will look back at those moments and look to improve because they could have won us the game.”