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James: Champions League aim

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Portsmouth's England keeper David James has set his sights on qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.

Pompey can qualify for Europe for the first time in their history if they beat Cardiff in next month's FA Cup Final.

They also have a chance of getting into European competition via the league as they sit in seventh, just one point behind Intertoto Cup qualification and four points behind the Uefa Cup berth.

James's contract was due to expire in the summer but he recently signed an extension to keep him at Fratton Park until the end of the 2009-10 season, with an option to further extend in 2010.

The keeper, 37, now hopes his prolonged stay can help guide the team both into Europe and then into the Champions League.

Good position

He told the Daily Star: "We are in a good position and looking at fifth which would be enormous for Portsmouth, regardless of what happens in the cup final.

"Success is always relative but that is what we regard as the ultimate success we can have now.

"If we can finish in Europe for a few years then you are looking at the Champions League.

"That is the progression we have in our minds.

Optimistic

"Without being too optimistic, I am hoping my contract will see us in the cusp of the Champions League places.

"The way we are progressing there is no reason why we should not be looking at that but we have to qualify for Europe first."

He believes Pompey still have a real chance of European qualification via the league, saying: "There are still three games to go and it is all to play for."