'I'm really enjoying it in there' - Reece James on filling the 'Whiteman role' at Doncaster Rovers

James has been deployed more times in midfield than his native left back role for Rovers this season and has impressed with his versatility in a variety of positions.

In more recent weeks he has occupied one of the two sitting midfield slots as Rovers adapt to losing their former captain.

While his primary focus is performing wherever he is selected to play, the 27-year-old says he hopes to have a longer run in the holding role.

“At the minute, I want to just do well for the team,” he said.

“Wherever the manager thinks is best for me to play right for the team and do our best and try and get us promoted and do as well as we can in this league, I am happy to do that.

“From a personal point of view, it is something I’d like to do and do the best I can.

“I will always work hard to play and be as good as I can in this position.”

James says his potential to play in midfield was spotted when part of Manchester United’s Academy and credits coach Warren Joyce for helping him develop into the position.

And he says the faith Rovers boss Darren Moore has shown in him this season has been a major boost.

James said: “From previous times in my career, I have to credit a lot to Warren Joyce.

“In my U21s football when I was at United, he was someone who always said that midfield was a position where I would actually play.

“At United, I used to play it quite a lot in reserve games.

“Here, the gaffer has shown a massive trust in me and I can only be thankful for it as I am really enjoying my football in there and I love playing in the deeper role, trying to be brave and make things happen.

“Any footballer who does not want to get on the ball as much as possible, you are not playing football in the right way.

“It is something I love to do - get on the ball as much as possible.”

James’ latest outing in midfield pitted him against Premier League opposition as Rovers took on West Ham United in the FA Cup.

And he feels the experience will aid his continued development.

He said: “It was brilliant.

“It was an unbelievable experience playing against top players such as Mark Noble, who has been in the Premier League for god knows how many years.

“It was unbelievable playing against international players like [Tomas] Soucek, who was outstanding.

“You see their quality of movement and you have to be on the swivel at all times whether it is to the left or right or the pass will just go past you.

“You don’t know what to do with the movement and that’s where the difference comes in the level of the players - in terms of knowing where to be and not to be and the movement side.

“It is so hard to defend against.”

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