James glad to be back in action

5th February
First team

Daniel James is glad to be back in action at Swansea City after what he admits has been a tough few days.

The 21-year-old winger trained with the rest of the first-team squad on Tuesday as preparations began for Saturday's clash with Millwall.

James travelled to Elland Road last week to discuss a loan move with a view to a permanent transfer on enhanced terms should the Championship leaders secure promotion to the Premier League.

However, the clubs could not agree suitable terms, and he then sat out the defeat to Bristol City at the weekend.

"It has been a tough few days with everything that has gone on," he said.

"But I am back here now, I trained today and I really enjoyed it. I do love it here, the boys have welcomed me back and there were a few laughs and jokes.

"But it's been just the same as it has been."

And the Wales international is hoping to be involved when the Swans host Millwall at the Liberty Stadium this weekend.

"It's a massive game. Obviously the boys did not get the result they wanted at the weekend so we want to get points on the board," he added. 

"The last game I played was against Birmingham and I felt it was one of my better games. I feel like I am improving and I hope I can continue with that form."

James, who has been with the Swans since 2014, also thanked manager Graham Potter for his understanding in deciding it would be in the player's best interests to sit out the Ashton Gate contest.

And he thanked the 43-year-old for his support on this occasion and throughout his breakthrough season at first-team level.

"We had the conversation before the game and we agreed it was right for me not to play the game on Saturday," said James.

"It was not that my head would not have been in the game, my head is here.

"But with going back and forth I did not feel I had prepared myself right and the last thing I wanted was to have a bad game and people think my head wasn't in it.

"What the manager said was great for me as it was a tough time for him to speak to me and it helped me settle down.

"I 100 per cent appreciated his support - the boys would say he is always like that.

"He is great with you, he sits down with everyone and asks if everyone is alright.

"He was making sure I was okay because he wants me to be right and feel like I belong here."