Harry hopeful over James

Keeper struggling with calf problem

Last updated: 28th April 2008

Football Premier League Everton Portsmouth David James

James: Fitness fight

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Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is confident David James will be fit for the FA Cup final with Cardiff.

James missed Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Blackburn after failing to recover from a calf problem with Jamie Ashdown making a rare start between the sticks.

The England international picked up the injury during last weekend's defeat to Manchester City and scans have shown James has suffered a tear to his calf.

Redknapp admits James is in a race to be fit for next month's showpiece, but remains hopeful of having the keeper available for the Wembley clash.

"We thought he had a tear in his calf and we eventually managed to get him scanned on Thursday," Redknapp told The News.

"We were very lucky he didn't come out and train on Friday.

Tear

"He has got a grade-one tear and it could have been a grade-four tear if he'd been jumping around on that.

"He should be fit for the FA Cup final hopefully. But you never know with calf strains and you are never sure how long they take.

"It shouldn't be a problem if he takes his time and gets the right treatment."