Wrexham's James to battle through pain barrier

Midfielder Matty James joined Wrexham as a free agent in October 2024 after leaving Bristol City [Getty Images] Matty James says he is prepared to battle through the pain barrier for the remainder of Wrexham's run-in after re-living some "bad memories" during his recovery from injury. The central midfielder was sidelined for two months due to a toe injury sustained in his side's 2-0 loss to Millwall on 7 February. But, after being dealt a setback during his spell on the sidelines, the 34-year-old made his long-awaited return to action against Southampton last time out.

"It's been a bit of a downer for me because my injuries over my career have been pretty bad," he said. "I think that, when I get one, it brings a lot of bad memories back for me. "I'm really pleased to be back out there and hopefully now I can stay fit for the rest of the season and try and help the team the best I can whenever the gaffer selects me.

" Latest Wrexham news, analysis and fan views Record revenue & bumper wages - Wrexham's finances analysed The midfielder missed the entirety of Leicester City's stunning 2015-16 Premier League title-winning campaign due to a cruciate knee ligament injury. Prior to his latest injury, James had been among Wrexham's best performers this season. But the former Manchester United youth player says his previous spells on the sidelines helped him remain in a positive frame of mind over the past two months.

"I've not had many injuries in the last couple of years and that was the first one that I've had here, so that was a bit tough," he said. "It was at a time of the season where I was playing well and enjoying my football and I think it's hard to take, but it was out of my control. "That's one thing that I remembered back with some of my injuries is that there's nothing I can do, the body will heal when it's ready.