David James has tipped Joe Hart to become an England regular, but not just yet.

The Manchester City keeper is expected to be handed his debut against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, just reward after an impressive season between the sticks at Eastlands.

James has just enjoyed the season of his life at Portsmouth, winning an FA Cup winners' medal and being named in the PFA Premier League team of the season, and as a result he is determined to hang onto his place in the national side for as long as possible.

"I've been singing Joe's praises for a long time, going back to the week we had in Thailand with Manchester City before I joined Portsmouth," said James.

"The stuff he was doing out there during that short spell was impressive, when he played a couple of games, for such a young keeper.

"There is an eagerness and hunger about him. I think he has the potential to go all the way, so him being here in Trinidad with England is a very positive move by the manager.

"But, if it was Joe Hart or someone who was 35 years old, the viewpoint would always be the same for me - that I want to challenge and retain the England place as often as I can."