Toronto FC defender Julius James is determined to establish himself as a first team regular. James returned from international duty to play in the Reds defence against Columbus Crew on Saturday and was named the Carlsberg Man of the Match.
"I really enjoyed the game and I felt really good," said James. "Tyrone Marshall and Jimmy Brennan were talking to me a lot and I had a lot of support from everyone on the team. I think we could have won the game because we had a lot of chances but unfortunately we came up short. There is a good mentality in the camp and it was great to have all of the guys back together."
It was James' ninth start of his MLS rookie season and capped a good week following his first inclusion in the Trinidad and Tobago senior squad for World Cup Qualifiers. James was an unused substitute for his country, but believes the experience can help him to develop as a player. "It was great for me to be there," he said. "It is always an honor to get called up for your country even though I didn't play. I got to see my parents and my family so it was a great time for me."
"Being included in the national team definitely helps me to develop my game," said James. "Obviously it is good here in Toronto because I am training with professionals every day, but when I was away, I was around guys who play all over the world so it gives me a different experience. I got to see Dwight Yorke which was a really good experience and it's good to be with other top soccer players from my country. It can only improve my confidence playing around these guys because you pick up different things."
James is now hoping to become a regular for club and country. "After I had been with the Trinidad squad, I thanked the coach for the opportunity. If they don't plan on calling me for the next squad, they will be forced to because I am planning on having really good games here."
