ONE of the heroes of Boro's 2004 FA Youth Cup success, James is tipped for a big future with the club. Born in Darlington, the England U19 international is a skilfull and quick central midfielder who can also play on the right. Made his first team debut as a substitute for Michael Ricketts in the 2-0 FA Cup win over Notts County at the Riverside in January 2004 aged just 17. He then played a key role in that year's FA Youth Cup run, scoring two crucial goals in the 3-0 final first leg win at Aston Villa and terrorising the Midlands side's defence in the return leg. Stepped up to the first team again in September 2004 and scored the goal in Boro's 1-1 draw at Banik Ostrava in the UEFA Cup. James kept his place for the visit to Old Trafford to play Manchester United in the Premiership three days later and laid on Stewart Downing's early goal as an injury-hit Boro side again drew 1-1. James added to his collection of honours in May 2006 with a UEFA Cup runners-up medal after being named in the starting line-up for the final in Eindhoven. He agreed a new improved contract in August 2006 pledging his future to the club until summer 2009. |
