Hardy, who joined the club from National League side AFC Fylde over the summer, was the hero for the Saddlers as he came off the bench to net the equaliser during last weekend's one-all draw with Forest Green Rovers.
The 23-year-old is now hoping to become a regular in the starting XI and was delighted to have opened his account in the EFL, admitting he had no idea what to do as the ball crossed the line.
Speaking via the club's official website, James said; "It was my football league debut so to get the goal was extra special. I didn’t know what to do after I scored, I was absolutely buzzing.
"I don’t want to be known as a super sub. I want to get my name on the team sheet but when I’m on the bench there’s no point sulking.
"If you do get your chance you’ve got to try and help the team and I thought all three subs did well and made an impact."
James went on to look ahead to this evening's EFL Cup clash with Crawley Town - a tournament he's never played in - and admitted that he is hoping the Saddlers can go on a lengthy cup run this season where they can test themselves against some of football's elite.
James continued; "I’ve never played in the Carabao Cup but I played in the FA Cup with Fylde and for us to get a League One side was great.
"If we could get through a few rounds and play one of the big teams it would be an unbelievable experience. Every game you want to win because it builds momentum and the winning spirit in the dressing room.
"If we can get a good cup run, you never know who you could play so it would all be a positive. I’ve never played in the Carabao Cup. I played in the FA Cup with Fylde.
"If we can get through a few rounds and play one of the big teams it would be an unbelievable experience."