The squad contains 18 players from whom the nucleus of the nine-man team to face the Continent of Europe will be drawn.

It is anticipated that this 18-man squad will also form the basis for selection of the GB&I team to contest the Walker Cup Match at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club next year.

James is joined in the squad by fellow Scots Ross Kellett (Colville Park), David Law (Hazlehead) and Michael Stewart (Troon Wellbeck).

Four 2009 Walker Cup team members – Tommy Fleetwood, Matthew Haines, Stiggy Hodgson and Chris Paisley – add valuable experience to the squad, along with Paul Dunne, who captained GB&I to victory over the Continent of Europe in the 2009 Jacques Leglise Trophy Match.

This year, Nigel Edwards will be taking charge of his first GB&I team after being named as captain for both the St Andrews Trophy Match against the Continent of Europe, and the 2011 Walker Cup Match against the USA.

Edwards, a playing member of victorious St Andrews Trophy teams in 2002, 2004 and 2006, said: "We've selected a very strong initial squad for this year's match. Every one of the 18 young players is more than capable of excelling at the highest levels of the amateur game.

"It is now down to the players involved, and to those who narrowly missed out on selection, to use the summer to prove that they are deserving of one of the nine places available in the team."

The group will assemble at Celtic Manor Resort in Wales for a two-day session on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 May.