Bellamy backs James' 'smart move' to Rennes

Jordan James has won 14 caps since making his Wales debut in March 2023

Wales manager Craig Bellamy says Jordan James' summer transfer to French top flight side Rennes was a "smart move" despite his lack of game time.

James joined the club after rejecting a deal to stay at Birmingham City following their relegation to League One last season.

But the 20-year-old, who was a regular under Robert Page and now Bellamy, is yet to start a game in Ligue 1.

He has been limited to just three brief substitute appearances and has not played at all since 21 September.

"I've had little conversations with JJ," said Bellamy, who has included James in his squad for upcoming Nations League matches against Turkey and Iceland.

"It's always difficult for a kid or anyone who moves to a different country. It was the same with myself (in Belgium) the first couple of months.

"You're picking up the language, but it's just a different way of doing things, even simple things like the food.

"JJ is in that period where he's still a young kid. But he's at a really good football club that develop young players and progress them and I see it as a smart move."

Bellamy recognises it must be frustrating for his player not get much game time, but says "in his future development this will be a really good period" for James.

"I believe it will accelerate him and he's going to be a beneficial player for Wales for a number of years," said Bellamy.

Wales visit group leaders Turkey for their penultimate Nations League fixture on 16 November before hosting Iceland in Cardiff three days later.

Two wins will see Wales promoted to League A.

A runners-up spot would take Wales through to the play-offs in March and a two-legged tie against a third-placed team in the top tier.