Oli McBurnie and Tom Cairney impressed by Leeds star’s attacking display against Cardiff

Dan James returned to the Leeds United side on a competitive basis during our 2-2 draw with Cardiff on Sunday, and has since posted on Instagram following his outing – prompting reaction from Oli McBurnie and Tom Cairney.

James, 25, clocked up his 41st outing for Leeds on Sunday – but his first since August 2022. It comes after his loan at Fulham last season, in which he struggled – scoring only three goals in 23 games. He has a contract until 2026.

He started on the left against Cardiff – as Leeds flopped in the first 45. Cardiff went into the break, two goals to the good – Josh Bowler and Ike Ugbo scoring goals. But Leeds did come roaring back, Liam Cooper heading home.

F came within inches of scoring an equaliser, cutting inside and his low, curling effort was turned around the post. Eventually, it was Cree Summerville that got the goal – with the Dutchman laying on an assist and scoring.

But it was a decent return from James, and he took to Instagram following the draw against one of the league’s two clubs from his Nation of Wales. He underlined his delight at being back in front of the Elland Road crowd, for Leeds.

James posts on Instagram; McBurnie and Cairney react to Leeds star

James is going to be pivotal for Leeds this season. He has already shown in his career that he is a real weapon in the Championship. Willy Gnonto and Jack Harrison are likely to be sold by the end of the window, in the next few weeks.

But losing Gnonto and Harrison is suddenly, not the end of the world because of ex-Manchester United star James. He gives Leeds a Premier League-standard player on the left, acting like a new signing to aid our promotion push.

Plenty were impressed by James’ outing and many felt his cut inside and shot was deserving of a goal – or at least, his performance deserved it to nestle in the corner. Ex-Swansea teammate McBurnie and Cairney both responded.