The 20-year-old is the second Boro stopper to join the Heed over the past two seasons, following Aynsley Pears’ loan spell with the club last season.

James has already appeared at the International Stadium in pre-season, playing the second half of Boro’s 3-1 win over Gateshead on July 10th.

He has been on the books at the Riverside Stadium since the age of 13, appearing for the club’s under-23’s 16 times last season after spending a period with Ebac Northern League outfit Billingham Town on `work experience` in late 2017.

Speaking to www.gateshead-fc.com after signing on the dotted line, James said: “I’m just buzzing to be here and finally get it sorted.

“This is the move that I’ve been hoping for since the start of pre-season to be honest.

“This will be the first time I’ve played at this level but I feel ready to do it. I’m confident and I just hope that I can kick on from here.

“I just want to play as many games as possible because it’s my first taste of real men’s football, so playing consistently is what I’m looking to do and hopefully I can prove myself”.