The Warriors take on Connacht at the Galway Sportsground tonight, and the big forward is determined to lay down another marker for next term by helping Glasgow to a vital win.
James said in the Evening Times: “Given how many Scotland players we are without, it is tough at the moment, but all the lads who have come in know that this is a great opportunity for them.
“We know that we were just not good enough against Cardiff and we want to put that one right and get it out of our systems.
“On a personal note, I know that Kelly is off in the summer to Saracens, and that opens up a slot at flanker. I want to make that my own.
“I am 24 and the rest of this season is a key period for me.
“I felt I did well against Cardiff but you are always looking to improve and, hopefully, I can do that tonight against Connacht.
“But this is the type of game where we all need to stick together because Connacht are very forwards-based and our pack is going to have to really lift things from our performance against Cardiff.”