The England keeper has finished on the losing side at the Wembley showpiece twice in his distinguished career.

Now he has the chance to erase that misery when Pompey face Cardiff on Saturday.

James will reclaim his spot off Jamie Ashdown following three games out with a calf problem, reuniting the defensive unit which has picked up the majority of the 22 clean sheets this season.

Now aged 37, he realises time is running out to win the greatest domestic cup competition in the world following near misses with both Liverpool in 1996 and Aston Villa in 2000.

And forget style against Cardiff – he just wants substance.

He said: 'My own FA Cup finals have been dreadful. The build-up is nice, you enjoy it, great day out, right up until the final whistle and then it's horrible. It's one of the worst experiences in football.

'We are the favourites and it would be nice to go out this time, play a great game, put on a great spectacle and win the Cup.

'But I'd settle for an awful game and a scrappy 1-0 win.

'I'd take that every time. It's all about winning the FA Cup.

'The reality is you win the game, you're the Cup winners and what goes on in the middle is irrelevant and totally forgotten about afterwards.'

David Nugent trained yesterday as he continues his comeback from a groin problem. The 22-year-old striker is now expected to be available for Saturday's final.

Meanwhile, Pompey are reported to be lining up a £5m swoop for Baggies hitman Ishmael Miller. Dean Ashton is also rumoured to be the subject of interest from the Fratton Park club.