Opening the scoring in Leeds United’s EFL Cup Second Round victory over Nottingham Forest was Daniel James, latching onto a Sean Longstaff pass and firing beyond Matz Sels into the back of the net.

After what was a stop-start campaign last time around due to injury, the Wales international is hoping the goal that helped the Whites progress in the competition can kickstart a brighter season this time around.

"I think it was always gonna be difficult coming to this game," the winger began. "A top Premier League side we played the other day.

"It's not normal you play the same team twice in three days, and we made a few changes, but I thought we were top tonight. We played some really good football, but we also won the fight as well, and I think to get another clean sheet is really important."

James also commented on the new additions to the side, and their impact so far: "Yeah, feeling really good. I think we've made some great additions in the team. We want to build on from what we did last year."

"Pretty much every position, we’ve got two players that are going to fight for each game. It’s important for us as players to give the manager that headache.

"I had a long injury to my hamstring, which was really frustrating," the Welshman said on his turbulent 2025/26 campaign and looking ahead to this time round. "I started the last two out of three and then I went to the Wales games, and I think my season only just started.

"This summer it was just about working on what I can do to be stronger and fitter coming to pre-season. I feel really fit and strong, and I’m in a really good place.”