James set to keep Wembley Cup final date

England goalkeeper David James has declared himself fit to play for Portsmouth in next week's FA Cup final against Championship side Cardiff.

The 37-year-old revealed that a scan on the injured calf which has kept him out of Pompey's last two league games had come back clear and said he was ready to play this weekend in his club's final league match, at home to Fulham.

“I had a scan today and it's clear so I would describe myself as fit,” he said. “But we'll see what the gaffer says.”

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp may be reluctant to risk James against Fulham, despite his first-choice keeper's impatience to get back into action.

“I want to play, of course, I wanted to play against Blackburn and Middlesbrough, and if it wasn't for the medical team I would have done, but that's what they're paid to do,” James added.

“It was deeply frustrating not playing but then at the same time I'm part of a team, and if it's deemed right that I don't play and the gaffer decides he doesn't want me to play – much as I'll dislike him for the whole match – then fine.”