James fit for Cup final

Keeper boost for Redknapp

By Peter O'Rourke   Last updated: 8th May 2008

David James Portsmouth

James: Thumbs-up for final

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James has been passed fit for the FA Cup final against Cardiff.

The England international has been forced to miss Pompey's last two games after suffering a calf injury in the recent defeat at Manchester City.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp feared the injury could sideline James for the clash with Cardiff, but the former Liverpool custodian is now set to take his place between the posts in the Wembley showpiece.

James underwent a scan on Wednesday and he has been given the green light to return to action.

It remains to be seen if Redknapp will risk James this weekend against Fulham or keep him fresh for the Cup final.

Decision

Meanwhile, James' deputy Jamie Ashdown has conceded he may be forced to leave Fratton Park in search of regular first team football.

The 27-year-old has been unable to oust James from the starting XI and the former Reading man says he will consider his options in the summer.

"I'm under contract here, but of course I want to play," Ashdown told The News. "I guess it's down to the gaffer if he wants to get rid of me.

"But I'm not going to go banging down his door unless it's a top side who want me to be honest, or a big one in The Championship."

Denial

Meanwhile, Portsmouth have rejected reports that Sol Campbell will quit the club at the end of the season.

Reports quoted Pompey's director of communications as saying the club were lining up Benfica defender Luisao as a replacement for Campbell.

However, Gary Double has moved to clear the confusion saying he was misquoted in the reports.

"I have been totally misquoted," Double told The News. "It is this club's policy not to discuss transfers."