James fit for final return

Pompey snap up Baggies starlet

Last updated: 12th May 2008

Football Premier League Everton Portsmouth David James

James: Raring to go

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Portsmouth goalkeeper David James insists he is fit to make his return to action in the FA Cup final against Cardiff.

James has missed the last three games after suffering a calf injury in the 3-1 defeat at Manchester City last month.

The England keeper's absence from Sunday's final game of the season against Fulham raised doubts over James' fitness for the Wembley showpiece this weekend.

However, James says he was left out against Fulham as a precaution and he says he is not fully recovered from the calf problem.

"The latest on my injury is that I'm not injured anymore," James told the club's official website.

"The gaffer didn't want to play me against Fulham, which is fine, but now I'm just looking forward to doing a normal week and getting ready for the cup final

"It's a relief for me because I want to play in a cup final."

Signing

Meanwhile, Portsmouth have raided West Bromwich Albion's Academy to sign youngster James Hurst.

The 16-year-old is highly-rated and has featured for West Brom's reserve side this season.

Pompey will have to pay West Brom a compensation fee for Hurst and Pompey's Academy coach Ian Woan believes the defender will prove a good acquisition for the club in the future.

"He's a promising right back who our recruitment officer Alan Miller chased vigorously," Woan told the club's official website.

"He's got a lot of work to do, but he can handle a football, he's quick and he's intelligent.

"We're all looking forward to working with him."