Portsmouth youngster Liam O'Brien has withdrawn from England Under-19 duty to ease Pompey's goalkeeping worries. Regular stopper David James, who has been at the World Cup with England`s senior squad, has already stated he will probably leave Fratton Park this summer to ensure he can remain in the Premier League next season.

The 18 year old was set to fly out to France next month to take part in the European Championship finals, but Pompey requested for the player not to be included.

Portsmouth boss Steve Cotterill told The News: "As it stands, we are desperately short of keepers in the squad and we don't know the situation with David James.

"We could be given dispensation by the Football League to sign another one even though there is an embargo. But at the moment we need somebody in goal so Liam will not be going off with England next month.

"We are grateful to the FA for understanding our predicament."