Daniel James will come out of his rough patch at Manchester United as a stronger player says his Wales manager Ryan Giggs.
Fast forward James took to the skies at Old Trafford following his £ 18 million move, including add-ons, from Swansea in June 2019.
James scored three goals in his first four games as a United player but only scored one more in the next 42 appearances as his early-season form faded.
The 22-year-old only started a Premier League match when football returned after the coronavirus lockdown in June and was routinely spotted for criticism on social media platforms.
But Giggs is expected to give James a starting role in Wales’ Nations League opener against Finland on Thursday in Helsinki and believes he will benefit from his time away from United’s spotlight.
“Dan hasn’t played as much towards the end of the season, but sometimes in the long run that can help you,” Giggs said.
“He may not like him (being off the team) and may want to get involved.
“But knowing Dan, the way he trains and his attitude, he’ll come out and be better for it. You can have a different perspective on things. “
James was always present in the Euro 2020 qualifiers as Wales reached the delayed pan-European finals next summer.
But his starting spot was threatened by this week’s double header against Finland and Bulgaria, with David Brooks named in the squad for the first time in 15 months.
Bournemouth striker Brooks, however, has since retired from the squad with an ankle injury and James is expected to feature in the top three with skipper Gareth Bale and targetman Kieffer Moore.
“I think sometimes players who don’t necessarily play all the time for their clubs, it gives them a chance to get a few minutes,” said Giggs.
“It’s an opportunity to try and get some shape to go back to their clubs and show them what they can do.
“Maybe DJ is in that field. United will start a week later but the DJ will show up fit and eager to go, I’m sure.
“He was always fantastic when he came on the pitch, he always showed up with the right frame of mind.”
Wales have back problems with Ashley Williams, Chris Mepham and Joe Rodon all absent for one reason or another.
Liverpool full-back Neco Williams and Swansea midfielder Ben Cabango could both make their senior debuts this week.
“I am thrilled with these two good new talents,” said Giggs. “There is an eye for winning games, but also a determined eye for the summer and for building the future.
“First of all we are dealing with the here and now, but we also have an eye on the euro.
“I’ve always said that if everyone is fit, it will be a nightmare to pick that 23 next summer, and it’s getting harder and harder with the likes of Ben and Neco getting into the frame.”
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