The Blues keeper was yesterday given the all-clear to resume playing after a scan showed his calf injury had healed.

In his absence, Redknapp's troops have suffered successive defeats against Blackburn and Middlesbrough.

Now the England man is fit and raring to return against Fulham on Sunday in the Premier League finale.

James' availability is a timely boost, with the FA Cup final just nine days away.

But he must convince his manager it will not be an unnecessary risk to feature against the Cottagers and potentially suffer an injury setback.

James said: 'I had a scan yesterday and the calf has mended so I've declared myself fit and will have a chat with the gaffer to see if he thinks I am fit.

'I've been out for a couple of weeks so the last thing I want to do when I'm not 100 per cent is damage myself for the sake of damaging myself.

'I have to have a consultation with the gaffer.

'I've probably lost half my hair, ripping it out in frustration over the past couple of weeks at not being fit.

'I want to play, I want to beat Fulham and get what we can out of the game with regards to points tally and looking forward to the Cup final on a high.

'But the Cup final's a big game so we'll have to see.

'I am aware that if you start overloading it, then you are always going to be susceptible to more injuries.

'This is where consultation will go on with the gaffer and myself so we will see.

'If I can't play Sunday for whatever reason then fine. It's up to me to make sure I do everything I can to be right for the Cup final and that's what I will do. I have not got a problem with that.'

Jamie Ashdown will continue in James' absence should Redknapp decide James is not ready to return.

And the 37-year-old is still licking his wounds after his proud appearance record was ended through his injury against Blackburn.

He added: 'The game against Blackburn hurt because Brad Friedel was on 150 and I was on 166.

'I just wanted to keep playing and keep playing – even to the point of hoping the gaffer might put me on for five minutes and then bring me off.

'But we are a team and in that team we have more than one goalkeeper so – as frustrated as I was – you have to respect that.

'That is why Portsmouth are where we are and my frustration is nothing.'