David James will face Cardiff City in final

May 7 2008 By Terry Phillips

ENGLAND goalkeeper David James has won his race to line up against Cardiff City in the FA Cup final.

James had a scan on his injured calf on Wednesday and says he was given the green light to return to Portsmouth’s side for the Wembley showdown with Dave Jones’ Bluebirds.

James, 37, has missed Pompey’s last two league games after picking up the injury during his team’s 3-1 defeat at Manchester City on April 20.

His place has gone to Jamie Ashdown, but James hopes to return in Portsmouth’s final Premiership match with Fulham this weekend.

Fulham need to win to guarantee their top flight place for next season and Pompey boss Harry Redknapp said: "Maybe it will do us a favour playing such a hard game before the cup final.

"I am trying to focus on winning the cup but it might help us playing a team like Fulham who will really be up for the game and will give us a big test because the result is so important to them.

"It is really win or bust for them at the moment and they will come at us which will be like just Cardiff will come at us at Wembley."