Football

Peter Enckelman backing for David James

The FA CUP e-on FA CUP FINAL: CARDIFF ACE OUT TO END HIS FINAL JINX

Pompey goalkeeper David James has received backing from his opposite number at Cardiff as he bids to avoid a hat-trick of FA Cup Final clangers next weekend.

The 37-year-old keeper lived up to his Calamity James tag when his weak clearance while playing for Liverpool gave Eric Cantona the chance to drive home the winner for Manchester United back in 1996.

Four years later, after he had moved to Aston Villa, he dropped a corner kick and allowed Roberto Di Matteo to score the winning goal for Chelsea in the last final at the old Wembley.

James, who has rejuvenated his career since moving to Portsmouth two years ago, has recovered from a calf injury to take his place against Cardiff.

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And Cardiff keeper Peter Enckelman, James's understudy at Villa for two seasons, insists he has now shaken off that "Calamity" tag.

"He was always a top goalkeeper, but he was such a perfectionist maybe sometimes he worried a little too much," said Enckelman.

"Now he is older, more mature - and I believe he has had two of the best years of his life at Portsmouth. He is the best English keeper in the Premier League - and maybe the best keeper."

Enckelman knows what it is like to be in the firing line - he has never been allowed to forget the night six years ago when he totally missed the ball while attempting to clear a throw-in and handed Birmingham victory over bitter rivals Villa.

"It was on television so the whole country saw it. People bring it up all the time," said the Finn.

"It's the price goalkeepers pay for a mistake. And there has never been one born yet who hasn't suffered."


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