Redknapp won't risk James

Boss reluctant to gamble on keeper's fitness; Muntari okay for final

By James Dall   Last updated: 7th May 2008

Football Premier League Everton Portsmouth David James

James: Will not be risked

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Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is unwilling to take a chance on goalkeeper David James' fitness ahead of the FA Cup final against Cardiff City on 17th May.

James, who has been in inspired form this season, has missed Pompey's previous two games with a calf injury.

And Jamie Ashdown now looks set to deputise for the 37-year-old shot-stopper for a third game in a row as Redknapp's side play their last Premier League of the season against Fulham on Sunday.

"The calf is still a bit sore and David is having another scan," Redknapp said in the Daily Star.

Maniac and Muntari

"There are certainly no guarantees he will be ready [for Fulham] and if he is not 100 per cent fit then I certainly wouldn't take any chances.

"Hopefully, the scan will show it has healed but if that's not the case then it's going to be slowly, slowly.

"The trouble with David is he's such a maniac, he wants to train all the time. It's difficult to keep him off the training ground."

Meanwhile, Sulley Muntari appears to winning his battle to be fit for the final at Wembley despite missing the 2-0 loss at Middlesbrough with a rib injury.

"I expect him to be fit for Wembley," Redknapp said in The Sun.