James plays down Campbell row

Keeper and captain put disagreement behind them

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 21st April 2008

david james sol campbell portsmouth

James & Campbell: Still friends

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David James insists that his on-field argument with Sol Campbell against Manchester City has been forgotten about.

A distinct lack of communication between the Pompey keeper and the club captain allowed Darius Vassell to grab a soft opener for City just 11 minutes into their 3-1 win.

The duo were quick to blame each other for allowing former team-mate Benjani to steal in behind and set up the chance, and continued their heated debate for some time after the incident.

However, despite their disagreement, James has confirmed that the pair remain close friends and that the argument only occurred with tensions running high in the heat of battle.

Blame

"We're always friends," he told The News.

"Sol left it, Benjani ran in behind so I had to try and deal with it. It was a bad goal to give away from a defensive point of view.

"I'll have to look at it again on the video to work out exactly what happened and who was to blame.

"But these things happen sometimes."

Dismissal

In a frustrating game for the England international, James also revealed his disappointment at Hermann Hreidarsson's first-half dismissal as he felt that he was adequately placed to cut out the threat posed by City striker Vassell once he had brushed past the defender.

"I told the referee in no uncertain terms I was there and would not have allowed him to go through one-on-one," he said.

"In fairness to the referee, he was probably watching Darius and Hermann, but I was in a good position to deal with the ball.

"So it's frustrating, but onwards and upwards."

Injury

Despite requiring treatment for a second-half leg injury at the City of Manchester Stadium, James insists that the slight knock he picked up will not keep him out of the club's remaining fixtures.

"It's just a tight calf," he confirmed.

"But it's not too bad, it will be alright."