Wolves legend makes Jordan James demand after Watford win

James made just his second league start during the 1-0 win over Watford at Molineux on Saturday, after marking his half-time introduction at Portsmouth earlier in the week with his second goal in Wolves colours.

On his performance on the weekend, Thompson told the E&S Wolves Poddy: “I thought he did well in the middle, off the back of his goal against Portsmouth on Tuesday. He’s a strong runner from that midfield area, but what does, he’s willing to get up to the front-line.

“He gets involved and he’s technically very good as well. He’s an asset to us and a player that we’ve been saying needs to start games.

“Now he has started, has looked strong and got himself a goal in midweek. But I think that he links up well from that midfield area with the strikers.”

James was substituted for the closing stages on Saturday, which prompted chants of ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’ from sections of the home crowd.

Thompson believes the substitution was likely to be precautionary, but added that the only way for James to build match-sharpness is to be starting games regularly.

“Jordan James needs more games. He has taken him off because of all the problems that we’ve had with players who’ve become tired and then ended up getting injured,” he continued.

“I know the fans weren’t happy about it, but I’m sure the manager has got reasons for it. Otherwise he’d have probably left him on.

“Getting up to match-fitness will probably take him four to five games and that’s only if he plays regularly. He needs to be in the starting line-up.

“You need a run in the side because it’s about relationships on the pitch. It’s in that match day competition and the heat of the moment that you get an understanding of what the other player is like: weaknesses, strengths and when they need help.

“All of these things come into play and I’d just like to see him get a run in the side.”