Craig Bellamy has described Jordan James’ summer move to Rennes as a “smart move” despite the Welsh midfielder not making a single start for the Ligue 1 club.

James turned down the chance to stay at Birmingham following their relegation to League One last season and instead headed to France aiming for the same success in club play that he has enjoyed at international level.

The 20-year-old has become a Wales regular since making his debut in March 2023 – first under Rob Page and now Bellamy – and has already won 14 caps while developing an impressive midfield partnership alongside Ethan Ampadu.

But James has made just three short substitute appearances for Rennes and has not played at all since September 21.

Difficult

“I’ve had few conversations with JJ,” said Wales boss Bellamy, who has named James in his squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Turkey and Iceland.

“It is always difficult for a child or for someone else who moves to another country. The same was true for me (in Belgium) the first few months.

“You learn 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 is still a young kid. But he is at a very good football club that develops and helps young players, and I see it as a smart move.”

Bellamy had experience with Rennes during his time as Vincent Kompany’s assistant at Anderlecht when their Belgian winger Jeremy Doku left for France in 2020.

Doku spent almost three years in Brittany before joining Manchester City for £55.4 million and has since impressed in the Premier League.

Future development

Bellamy said: “I spoke to Jeremy when he went there and it was a good move. Okay, they paid £30 million for an 18-year-old child and we would never turn that down.

“But he was allowed to play for Manchester City and that was the next step he could take.

“I know JJ is not getting any playing time at the moment, but in his future development this will be a very good period for him.

“I believe it will accelerate him and he will be a useful player for Wales for a number of years.”

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

With two wins, Wales are promoted to League A for the next edition of the competition.

A second-place finish would take Wales into the play-offs in March and a two-legged tie against a third-placed team in the top tier.