James is loving Bellamy's plea to take risks on wing

DAN JAMES says he has Craig Bellamy’s backing to ditch safety-first tactics.

- By Neil Moxley

Leeds’ in-form winger has received the green light to take the risks he feels necessary to get Wales firing.

The 27-year-old is flying high at Elland Road, having become only the second Welshman after legendary centre-forward John Charles to reach a double-figure goal tally for the club in successive seasons.

And Wales head coach Bellamy has given him licence to thrill.

James said: “As a winger I want to be as direct as possible, not turning down things.

“Sometimes I look back at games and I’ve been quite safe.

“That might look good from the outside, keeping the ball, but ultimately I’m in the team to try to create things.

“That constant mindset of, ‘Can I go and get a goal or an assist?’ and believing it.