James: Keen to carry on

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James shuns retirement talk

Bristol City’s veteran goalkeeper David James wants to carry on playing for as long as possible.

The 41-year-old former England No 1 has dismissed suggestions this could be his last campaign.

James, who is on a rolling contract, is on target to reach 30 first-team appearances which would give him the option of another deal at Ashton Gate.

“I view contracts as an opportunity rather than a problem, just as I look at every game as an opportunity,” James says in the Bristol Evening Post.

“My worst performances have tended to come when I’ve felt complacent about playing week in and week out. But because of the competition generated by the new manager, I know I cannot afford to take anything for granted.

“It’s not an age thing and I don’t go around thinking I’ve only got another couple of years to go.

“I know I have to keep grafting hard and I know there are still things in my game that I need to work on. I want to keep on doing that.

“I’m actually doing more physically than I was before with regards to lifting weights and doing strength training. There are one or two technical issues that need working on, but I feel fine physically.

“I’m delighted that things are improving for me in that respect and, so long as the body holds up, I’m happy to carry on.”