Ashdown replaced James, who has a torn calf muscle, for Pompey's 1-0 Barclays Premier League defeat to Blackburn Rovers at Fratton Park in what was his first appearance since a 5-0 defeat at Birmingham City in January 2006.

Redknapp refused to blame Ashdown for the goal after he elected to punch clear from the aerial challenge of Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz, only to see the ball swiftly returned to the Paraguay international who scored.

However, Redknapp believes James will make a recovery in time for the FA Cup final against Cardiff City on 17th May.

"You can't tell with calf injuries just how long they will take to clear up," Redknapp said of James' chances of playing in the final.

back problem

"We couldn't get him [James] to a scan for some reason until Thursday.

"It showed a grade one tear and I guess that if we had let him train last Friday it could have gone to a grade four or something.

"Hopefully it won't be a problem [for Wembley] - not if he takes his time and gets the right treatment."

Redknapp praised Ashdown for stepping in and performing well having been on the sidelines for so long and did not feel he was at fault for the goal.

"Jamie made a great save a few minutes earlier and another soon afterwards. He's a good keeper and he did well," he said.

"He's been out himself for a few weeks recently with a back problem.

"We had to push him back into training last week because my only other goalkeeper [Asmir Begovic] has little experience."