Portsmouth goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown is ready if needed for the FA Cup final against Cardiff City.

The 27-year-old is likely to be asked to continue at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

And the former Reading man has faith in his ability to do that all the way through to the clash with Cardiff, if David James loses his fight for fitness.

Ashdown told The News: "Being involved is great - playing is what you want to do. I felt I did okay against Blackburn. Through certain circumstances I have found myself on the pitch. I don't really feel under pressure to deliver, though.

"It's been very frustrating, but when you have a guy in front of you who has been performing how he has been performing and has been as consistent as he has you can't really do much about it. 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.

"The difference for that game is there is a bigger crowd and what you are playing for is a bigger prize. It's a bigger event than what most players could ask to be involved in. Everyone wants to have a steady game and do what they can to help. I understand I won't play if David is fit. I wouldn't be disappointed be-cause I'm expecting that to happen - but I'm ready to play."