James is fighting to be fit for the FA Cup Final after sustaining a calf injury but Ashdown believes he has all the credentials to compensate for his loss.

Pompey are hopeful James will recover from the injury which saw him miss Saturday's defeat to Blackburn Rovers in the Barclays Premier League, although Ashdown is set to continue at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

under pressure

"Being involved is great - playing is what you want do," said Ashdown. "I felt I did okay against Blackburn.

"I'm not going to put the gaffer under pressure by saying I want to play games. I understand the situation. I have to wait until my chance comes. I'd take anything I can get at the moment!

"If I do play the next two games I would have played three in a row and would be more than ready for the FA Cup Final.

"I understand I won't play if David is fit. I wouldn't be disappointed because I'm expecting that to happen - but I'm ready to play."