Robert Page has hailed “unbelievable” Daniel James and promised the Leeds forward will score goals for Wales.

James’ pace was a formidable weapon in the World Cup play-off win over Austria on Thursday, his importance to Wales underlined by him making his 27th consecutive start in competitive internationals since the first against Slovakia in March 2019.

But the 24-year-old was guilty of missing several gilt-edged openings in the 2-1 victory to prevent Wales from enjoying a more comfortable night in Cardiff.

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James has filled the centre-forward role at Leeds since arriving from Manchester United due to Patrick Bamford being injured, but Wales boss Page said: “Dan is not an out and out striker.

“He’s evolved over the last few months. He’s gone from playing wide left to a centre-forward in a 3-5-2. The formation has changed for him and his game’s got to adapt slightly.

“But he’s a talented footballer with unbelievable pace, he can score goals and he’s creating chances.

“When centre-forwards are not creating chances that’s the time to worry. The goals will come.

“He was brilliant against Austria and what he does for the team is unbelievable.

The last two of James’ five Wales goals came in World Cup qualifying action against the Czech Republic, who provide friendly opposition for Page’s men on Tuesday.

The Czechs visit Cardiff for a DEC Humanitarian Appeal Match to raise funds for war-torn Ukraine having been knocked out of World Cup contention by an extra-time defeat to Sweden.

Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is set to win his 100th cap on Tuesday, becoming the third Welshman to do so after Chris Gunter and Gareth Bale.

“We have got to be sensible,” said Page. “We’ve got a duty of care to the players.

“I’m not going to punish the players again by giving them another 90 minutes against a very good team.

he's a talented footballer with unbelievable pace, he can score goals and he's creating chances

Robert Page on Daniel James
“It’s a great opportunity now because it’s a friendly game and we can use that to our benefit.

“We can give some of the younger players an opportunity to gain international experience and minutes on the pitch. There will be changes made, absolutely.”

Cardiff forward Rubin Colwill is among those hoping to start as Wales put their 17-game unbeaten home run on the line.

The 19-year-old, who was part of Wales’ Euro 2020 squad last summer, has three caps but none have been won at the stadium where he plays his club football.

“It’s a big chance for everyone. Hopefully us younger boys can get some minutes and show what we can do.

“It’s a big chance for us all and we’ll try our best to take it.

“We haven’t been to a World Cup for over 60 years, so if I can be part of a squad that goes there that would be unbelievable. It’s definitely something to work towards.”