James could lift Pompey

James: Making progress

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James could be back in action for Saturday's Premier League showdown with Burnley.

James suffered a calf injury in the pre-match warm-up ahead of the defeat at Stoke on 22nd November which was initially expected to keep him out for a month.

Bottom club Pompey's miserable season has continued in the England international's absence, with a narrow defeat by the Potters followed by a 4-1 reverse at the hands of Manchester United and a Carling Cup exit at home to Aston Villa.

New Fratton Park boss Avram Grant, who was appointed as Paul Hart's replacement after the Stoke loss, has admitted that the veteran shot-stopper is making impressive strides as he works his way back to full fitness.

Progress

Grant said: "David James' recovery is much quicker than we thought.

"At the beginning, we thought he would be out for four weeks but I think it will be less.

"He is professional and he is working many hours per day. He is doing his best to be fit and his progress is much quicker than we thought.

"I don't know if he will be back for Burnley. We need to wait and see."