James Delighted To Be Back In City's Colours
- Matty James started as Leicester City's captain in a 7-6 shootout success over West Bromwich Albion
- The Foxes will face Liverpool in the Premier League Asia Trophy Final on Saturday in Hong Kong
- Craig Shakespeare made 10 changes to the squad during the 1-1 draw in normal time on Wednesday
- James was replaced in the 44th minute as the entire City squad returns to full fitness this summer
Riyad Mahrez’s 24th minute curler cancelled out a long-distance opener from Baggies midfielder Jay Rodriguez to send the match to penalties with the score locked at 1-1 at Hong Kong Stadium.
In a fixture which saw Craig Shakespeare make 10 substitutions, with James himself making way after 44 minutes, City emerged triumphant courtesy of a 7-6 shootout success on Wednesday evening.
James, who missed much of the past two seasons through injury, told LCFC TV: “It was a really good test for us. The heat had a major impact and the pitch was a little bit rough at times but I thought every single player did really well. We adapted to the situation and got the most out of it.
"That’s the way we wanted to start the game, it was positive.
“There’s nothing you can do when someone hits a screamer like that into the top corner.
“We picked ourselves up, got back on the front foot, then Riyad scored a fantastic goal. When you create chances, you don’t always take them.
"I think we had enough to win the game [in normal time] but we took the penalties well and Ben [Hamer] made a great save. It’s been really good.”
On his return to action for City, the 25-year-old central midfielder added: “It was great to get a Leicester shirt back on. It’s been a rocky road over the last couple of years.
James: We Did Enough To Win It
Matty James assesses his side's penalty shootout win over West Bromwich Albion.
"I’m hoping to be able to cement a place in this team and get back to the level that I was at.”
The Foxes will face Liverpool, who overcame Crystal Palace 2-0 later in the day, on Saturday (1:30pm BST kick-off) and James believes playing in occasions such as those will prepare City well for the tests to come in the Premier League.
“It’s always nice to play in a final and be involved in games like that,” he continued.
“Most importantly, it’s about getting the physical stats up and getting as much running and distance done to get your sharpness and feeling for the ball.”
On Leicester’s summer so far, James concluded: “Pre-season is always tough. People would be lying if they say it’s not. These games are hard so it’s all about getting those physical stats up and getting yourself back to that level you were at.
"We’ve got new signings and it’s about making sure everybody understands the way we play, so we’re looking forward to Saturday.”
Hear more from the City squad on LCFC.com over the coming days ahead of the clash against Liverpool.